Dr. Allen Gilbert Named Faculty Athletics Representative at Jacksonville State University

10/26/2026

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. – Jacksonville State University has named Dr. Allen W. Gilbert, associate professor of Sport Management and coordinator of the Master of Science in Sports Industry program, as its new Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR). Dr. Gilbert succeeds Dr. Jan Case, who has served as the university's Faculty Athletics Representative. 

As Faculty Athletics Representative, Dr. Gilbert will serve as a liaison between the university's faculty, administration and Athletics Department, helping ensure that the academic success, well-being and educational experience of student-athletes remain central to Jax State's athletics programs. 

“Dr. Gilbert brings a valuable combination of faculty perspective and extensive experience in the sports industry to this important role,” said Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. “Our student-athletes are students first, and the Faculty Athletics Representative plays an important role in ensuring we remain committed to their academic success. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Dr. Jan Case for her dedicated service in this role. She has been a tremendous advocate for our student-athletes and our university, and we are grateful for her contributions.” 

Dr. Gilbert brings more than 30 years of professional and academic experience in marketing, event operations, campus recreation and intercollegiate athletics. His background provides a foundation for his work with student-athletes, coaches, faculty and university administrators. 

“As an educator, it is my goal to ensure that ‘student-athlete’ is never a compromise, but a double promise: we challenge them to strive for excellence on the field while providing the rigorous support, flexibility, and academic integrity they need to thrive in the classroom,” Dr. Gilbert said. 

In addition to his teaching and administrative responsibilities, Dr. Gilbert has conducted research on emerging issues in the sports industry, including the legalization of sports gambling, the influence of name, image and likeness (NIL) policies on sports wagering, and the use of technology in training and developing sports officials. His research has also explored experiential learning and its role in preparing students for careers in sports and recreation. 

His work has appeared in publications including the Journal of Applied Financial Research and the Journal of Business and Economic Issues. He has also served as a textbook reviewer for Sports Facility and Event Management with Jones & Bartlett Learning. 

“Dr. Gilbert understands both higher education and intercollegiate athletics, and that perspective will be a tremendous asset to our department,” said Vice President for Athletics Greg Seitz. “The Faculty Athletics Representative is an important partner for Athletics, particularly as we work to support the academic success and well-being of our student-athletes. We look forward to working with Dr. Gilbert and know he will be a great resource for our coaches, staff and student-athletes.” 

The Faculty Athletics Representative serves an important role in supporting academic integrity, institutional oversight and the university's commitment to providing student-athletes with opportunities to succeed both in competition and in the classroom.