COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Faculty Athletics Representatives Association (FARA) has announced that Cal State East Bay's Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), Dr. Summer Jackson, has been named Division II Newcomer of the Year by the FARA Honors and Awards Committee. 

"We are thrilled that Dr. Jackson is being recognized for the outstanding contributions she's making to Pioneer Athletics," stated Cal State East Bay Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics Allison Kern. "She hit the ground running from day one, not just jumping in here on campus but stepping into leadership roles in the conference as well. Dr. Jackson is a great teammate and I'm excited to celebrate her achievements on a bigger scale."

Dr. Jackson has served as FAR at Cal State East Bay since 2023. As a former student-athlete herself, Jackson has been on the University's faculty since 2017, and is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice. 

"Thank you for all of your hard work on behalf of the student-athletes on your campus, as well for your leadership and service that extends beyond your institution," expressed Dr. Pamela Bruzina, University of Missouri Faculty Athletics Representative to the SEC and NCAA. "I am delighted that your efforts are being rewarded with this special recognition from your colleagues."

The Division II Newcomer of the Year award will be presented this coming November at the 2025 FARA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis.