Dr. Elliott Hammer is in his fourth year
as Xavier University of Louisiana's faculty athletics representative (FAR).
He was appointed to that position in December 2016 and succeeds NAIA Hall of Fame
member Sister Grace Mary Flickinger, XULA's FAR for 36 years.
In the structure of the NAIA, faculty representatives oversee the welfare of the student-athlete,
certify eligibility and ensure the emphasis of academics in university athletics. In
the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, the vote of faculty representatives is a crucial step toward ratification of new
policies and procedures.
Hammer, a Kansas native and a XULA faculty member for
more than 20 years, received his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University
of Kansas in 1991. He added two degrees from Tulane University if experimental
social psychology — a master's in 1994 and a doctorate in 1996.
Hammer has served 10 years as chair of XULA's Psychology
Department. His honors include the Visionary
Leader Award and Model Institutions of Excellence mentor award, both from XULA.
Since 2006 he has been the holder of the John D. LaFarge Endowed Professorship in Social Justice.
"Advising students has always been one of my favorite parts of my job, so I'm really looking forward to
working more closely with student-athletes to help them achieve their academic and athletic goals," Hammer said
in December 2016 when he was appointed FAR.
Hammer also serves the GCAC as chair of the FARs, a position he has held since 2017-18.
Favorites
Food: Thai curry
Candy: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Pizza toppings: Mushrooms, spinach, garlic, avocado
Ice cream flavor: Cookies and cream
Cake: Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting
Flower: Bird of paradise
Color: Slate gray
Vacation destination: National parks in Kenya or in the U.S. northwest
