BIDDEFORD, Maine -- University of New England Associate Provost and Faculty Athletics Representative Dennis Leighton was named the recipient of the 2017 David Knight Award by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Faculty Athletics Representative Association (FARA).

The David Knight Award is presented annually to an individual who has provided outstanding service to FARA. The award is in honor of David Knight, long-time faculty athletics representative at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a driving force behind the establishment of FARA. His dedication and commitment to the student-athlete, to collegiate sports and to the role that faculty play in shaping both were exemplary. 

Dr. Leighton has been FAR at the University of New England since 1996. After having served as an associate professor of physical therapy for 25 years, he was appointed to the post of associate provost in August 2016. He has held numerous leadership positions within FARA, including president (2007), president-elect (2006), vice president (2005) and secretary/treasurer (2008-2017).