KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Western Michigan University (WMU) President Dr. Ed Montgomery has appointed Dr. Gary Bischof as its new Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR). Dr. Bischof is a Professor at Western Michigan University in the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology and serves as Counselor Education Unit Director.
"I am pleased that Dr. Bischof has accepted this important role," said President Dr. Ed Montgomery. "His background and experience will be invaluable in support of our student-athletes."
Dr. Bischof's tenure at WMU began in 1999 as a faculty member in the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology (CECP). He served in that capacity until 2012, after which he took on key leadership roles, including chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and Dean of the Lee Honors College. In Fall 2019, Dr. Bischof returned to CECP as a full-time faculty member.
Dr. Bischof has spearheaded two significant campus initiatives on college student mental health. He led a 4-year effort to become a JED Campus, a program of the JED Foundation, a leading national proponent of college student mental health and wellness. Gary also co-led WMU's campus efforts as a pilot implementation school of the Equity and Mental Health Framework that involves best practice guidelines for the positive mental health and well-being of college-age students of color.
Dr. Bischof is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Michigan. He previously served as President of the Michigan Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. He also served a four-year term as a member of the Michigan Board of Marriage and Family Therapy.
Dr. Bischof is a Clinical Fellow and active member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and a member of the American Counseling Association, and the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors. He serves on the editorial boards of The Family Journal and the Journal of Couple and Relationship Therapy.
"In addition to being a decorated member of our faculty, with experience as a department chair and dean, Dr. Bischof has been a supportive presence at many of our athletic events and a contributing member of our Faculty Athletic Board," said Vice President/Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae. "We are thrilled to have him join our department in this important capacity."
Having served four years as a member of the Faculty Athletic Board, Dr. Bischof is well-versed in the intersection of academics and athletics. He will bring a wealth of experience in both academic and administrative roles at WMU to this important position. In his new role as FAR, he will be a liaison between the University faculty and the Department of Athletics. This critical position ensures the academic integrity of the athletics program while advocating for the academic success and well-being of all WMU student-athletes.
"I am thrilled to be appointed as WMU's Faculty Athletic Representative and look forward to serving the university and representing WMU in this capacity," said Bischof. "As a 25-year avid fan of WMU sports, I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the holistic development of our student-athletes. Go Broncos!"
Additionally, Dr. Bischof will represent WMU on the national stage in matters related to the Mid-American Conference (MAC), National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC), Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), and NCAA affairs. His role will ensure that WMU continues to meet the highest standards of academic excellence and compliance within collegiate athletics.
