Colgate University Athletics

Complete Bio

Get to Know Faculty Liaison -- Janel Benson

The Colgate faculty liaison program provides Colgate student-athletes with the opportunity to develop working relationships with Colgate faculty members outside the classroom or formal advising environment in an effort to enhance their academic and athletic experience.
 
Faculty liaisons can function in many roles, including providing additional academic guidance for student-athletes and coaches, educating student-athletes about educational expectations and policies, and providing a link between academic faculty and the Colgate athletic program. The program also establishes a formal connection between each head coach and a member of the academic faculty.
 
This collaboration can provide an additional level of assistance for student-athletes in developing a positive and productive balance among academic, athletic, and co-curricular commitments. The faculty liaison program is administered jointly by the offices of the Dean of the Faculty and the Vice President/Director of Athletics.
 
Name and Liaison to Which Team
Janel Benson, Softball
Associate Professor of Sociology
 
What I Like About Being a Faculty Liaison
As a collegiate soccer player at a liberal arts college, I received fantastic mentoring. I enjoy this role because it allows me to give back by mentoring student-athletes. I find student-athletes to be some of the most inspiring, energetic, and motivated students on campus.
 
Influential Person in My Career
Kent Trachte
 
Idea or Invention I Wish I Had Thought of...
Running shirts with thumb holes and fold-over "sleeve-gloves."
 
Favorite Hero
Great grandmother and mother
 
Favorite Possession
I don't have a favorite possession, but Max, my beagle, is my favorite being on the planet!
 
Favorite Sports Memory
Ironman Lake Placid
 
Favorite Memento
Pictures of my grandmother playing softball and basketball in the 1930s.
 
Favorite Magazine, Hard-Copy or Online
Nate Silver's "FiveThirtyEight" Blog
 
Favorite Music Genre, Singer or Group
I love listening to my nieces and nephews perform.  :)
 
Favorite Book
I have lots of favorites. Over the past year, I've been very moved by Brene Brown's work. Her recent book, Daring Greatly, has taught me a lot about vulnerability and human connection.
 
Favorite Movie
Elf
 
Favorite Quote
Set goals that scare you.

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