California State University Northridge Athletics
10/22/2026 8:42:00 AM | General
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. -Â Since its beginnings in 2016, CSUN's Faculty Liaison Program for Athletics has helped strengthen the connection between student-athletes, coaches and faculty. The initiative was launched by Professor and Faculty Athletics Representative Ed Jackiewicz as the "Under Armour Faculty" program, bringing professors from across campus together to support student-athletes' academic and professional development.
Today, led by current Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Cedric Hackett, the program provides student-athletes with opportunities to build relationships with faculty members outside the classroom. Faculty liaisons offer guidance on academic responsibilities, connect students with campus resources and help them better understand educational expectations and policies.
The program's broader purpose is to bridge the academic and athletic worlds. By increasing communication and expanding students' support networks, the Faculty Liaison Program for Athletics aims to enhance the complete student-athlete experience and help Matadors succeed both in competition and in their academic and professional lives.
WHAT THE FACULTY IS SAYING
"The FLPA program is an important resource for student-athletes and the Athletics department. Our faculty are dedicated to connecting students to career and graduate school information so they can consider what's next beyond the game."
- Dr. Cedric Hackett
Professor
Department of Africana Studies
Director, DuBois-Hamer Institute for Academic Achievement
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Faculty Athletics Representative
"As a former college basketball player, I understand the difficulty in transitioning from being a student athlete to the workforce and my goal is to help facilitate our student's transition."
- Dr. Joe Teprovich
Professor
Department of Chemistry
"Building connections between faculty and student athletes providing Guidance, Encouragement and Leadership."
- Andrew Bartlett, PhD
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy
"I do research on sport psychology, and I volunteer as an assistant coach for the tennis team. Happy to help in any way I can!"
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- Mark P. Otten, PhD
Professor, CSUN Department of Psychology,Â
Coach, UCLA Club Tennis, Coach, CSUN Women's TennisÂ
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"We help our student-athletes maximize their potential and make the most of their college experience."
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- Loren J. Naidoo, PhDÂ
Assistant Professor
Management
#GoMatadors
