ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The newest Flagler College Faculty Athletics Representative has been selected.
 
On Thursday, President of Flagler College Dr. Joseph Joyner announced that Dr. Kurt Sebastian has been appointed to assume the duties of the FAR.
 
"When Dr. Sebastian and I spoke about the possibility of him serving as our Faculty Athletics Representative, his passion and support for our student-athletes were evident," Dr. Joyner said. "He has a well-deserved reputation of being an excellent advisor to our students, and I know all of these attributes will serve him well as he moves into this role. Our student-athletes are lucky to have him as their advocate and liaison with the College."
 
Dr. Sebastian, a Professor of Mathematics and Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Technology, becomes the second FAR since Flagler College made the announcement of transitioning from NAIA to Division II February 14, 2006. The primary purposes of the FAR are to promote academic integrity, to promote institutional control of intercollegiate athletics, to facilitate the integration of the athletics and academic components of the College community, and to enhance the student-athlete experience.
 
He takes the reins from Steve Voguit, who recently retired after a 20-year career in the Ancient City as he held the position ever since being selected by then President of Flagler College Dr. William Abare, Jr., in January of 2008.
 
"Having been a student-athlete at the collegiate level myself, knowing the sacrifices these young men and women make for their sports and their teammates, I have a special place in my heart for all of them," Dr. Sebastian said. "Serving as the Faculty Athletics Representative in many ways has been a dream of mine.  Little did I know that it would ever come true.  I will always strive to do my part to continue with the excellent work that Steve Voguit has accomplished as FAR, and I look forward to continuing to build the relationship between all faculty and student athletes, as well as doing my part to ensure the integrity of our academics in regards to student athletes. 
 
"While the future is a little uncertain right now regarding the return of our athletes to their respective fields, courts, tracks or courses, I will do everything I can as FAR to assist the entire Flagler College Athletics Department in their goals of returning to normal competition.  I'm sure many tough and important decisions will need to be made to ensure the safety and well-being of our student athletes during this process.  I pledge to do my part to assist, in every way I can, getting us back on track with Flagler Athletics and Flagler Academics working as one."
 
Before coming to Flagler College in 2015, Dr. Sebastian spent 21 years as a Professor of Mathematics at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and retired as a Captain upon his arrival to St. Augustine. He had two tours of duty at sea in his Coast Guard career, one as Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Point Arena.
 
Dr. Sebastian earned his Ph.D. and Sc.M. from Brown University in Applied Mathematics with a concentration in Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing, while earning his B.S. in Mathematical and Computer Science from the United States Coast Guard Academy.
 
He and his wife, Anne, have been married for 32 years and have one son, Nicholas. Nicholas is married to the former Morgan Harrington of Rumford, RI, and they are expecting their first child, Kurt and Anne's first grandchild, this summer.

"There is no doubt that Dr. Sebastian will be an outstanding FAR," Flagler College Director of Athletics Jud Damon said. "He has a heart for all students, is a great communicator, and is a person of great integrity. Our student-athletes and institution will benefit greatly from Dr. Sebastian's leadership and support in this important position. He is a true servant-leader."

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