JONESBORO, Ark. (8/28/25) – Arkansas State University has announced Neil Griffin College of Business Professor Dr. Mark Lewis as the University’s Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), effective immediately. The FAR is the liaison between academics and athletics at the university, as well as to the NCAA and the Sun Belt Conference.

An A-State alumnus, Lewis is in his 33rd year as a professor at Arkansas State. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Business Law in the Neil Griffin College of Business and is on the faculty of the Graduate and Honors Colleges. Lewis is a two-time nominee as A-State Athletics’ Sun Belt Conference Faculty of the Year.

“We’re excited to have Dr. Lewis as our new Faculty Athletics Representative,” said A-State Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Chris Pezman. “His commitment to academic excellence and student-athlete well-being are values that align with our athletics department. We look forward to his leadership as we build upon our student’s athletic and academic experience.”

Lewis was awarded the R.E. Lee Wilson Award from Arkansas State in 1981, the highest honor the university awards to a student recognizing outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service. As a professor, he has twice earned the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Neil Griffin College of Business.

He was a graduate student at the University of Glasgow (Glasgow, Scotland) prior to graduating from the UALR School of Law, now the Bowen School of Law.

“I am very grateful to Chancellor (Dr. Todd) Shields and Vice Chancellor Pezman for the appointment to Faculty Athletics Representative,” said Lewis. “The role provides a wonderful opportunity to serve our student-athletes as well as my university. Our student-athletes and athletics administration are exceptional individuals to partner with and to work alongside to continue the traditions and success of A-State academics and athletics.”

Lewis served as an Assistant Attorney General and a municipal attorney in the State of Arkansas prior to teaching at Arkansas State University.  While at the Arkansas Attorney General’s office, he participated in further educational opportunities at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va., and the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

While in the private practice of law, he served in an “Of Counsel” capacity to an Arkansas Law Firm, solo practitioner, and lobbyist.  

Raised in Kennett, Mo., his children, Abby and J. Mark, are fourth generation Arkansas State University graduates.