Dr. Sarah Irvine Belson Named Faculty Athletics Representative at American University

9/4/2025 8:36:00 AM

WASHINGTON – American University President Jonathan Alger has announced the appointment of Dr. Sarah Irvine Belson as the university’s new Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR). A longtime member of the AU community and former dean of the School of Education, Irvine Belson brings more than 30 years of experience at the university and a deep commitment to student success and well-being to this important role.

I am delighted to welcome Professor Sarah Irvine Belson as the next Faculty Athletics Representative for American University. Her experience as a scholar-athlete, her long history with over 30 years of service and extensive relationships at AU, and her commitment to student well-being and holistic education make her an ideal choice for this important role. We have an exciting opportunity at this moment to be a national leader in the conversation about the educational value and relevance of athletics in higher education, and Professor Irvine Belson’s perspective will be a tremendous asset to our community in this regard.

American University President Jonathan Alger

As Faculty Athletics Representative, Irvine Belson will serve as the primary liaison between athletics and the broader academic community. The FAR plays a critical role in ensuring the academic integrity of the athletics program, supporting the holistic development of student-athletes, and helping maintain institutional compliance with NCAA and conference regulations. She succeeds Dr. Bob Karch, who recently retired after many years of dedicated service in the role.

Sarah Irvine Belson meeting AU head coach and staff

Sarah Irvine Belson meeting AU head coach Ahen Kim

Sarah Irvine Belson meeting AU head coaches

I look forward to advocating for AU’s student-athletes in this new role. After more than 30 years at American University, I’ve seen firsthand how athletics builds leadership, community, and resilience. Some of the best parts of our campus can be found on the fields, the courts, and in the pool—and I’m proud to support the student-athletes who represent us there with such dedication and excellence.

Faculty Athletics Representative Sarah Irvine Belson

Irvine Belson currently serves as a professor in the School of Education and as director of the Center for Postsecondary Readiness and Success (CPRS). She previously served as dean of the School of Education from 2002–2015, leading the development of innovative programs focused on equity, community engagement, and educational technology. Her scholarly work centers on inclusive education, education policy, and improving access to college and career pathways for underrepresented students.

Sarah exemplifies a shared commitment to the comprehensive, holistic development and sustained success of our student-athletes at American University. Throughout her distinguished career here on campus, as well as her time as a student-athlete, she understands the integral role athletics can play in the formation of character and leadership. Sarah absolutely recognizes the profound potential of sport as a strategic platform to elevate and advance the broader mission of the institution.”

American University Director of Athletics and Recreation JM Caparro

Irvine Belson holds three degrees from Arizona State University, graduating with a bachelor’s in English, a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, and finally a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. In 2025, Irvine Belson was honored with the Outstanding Community Engagement Award at the American University Faculty Recognition Dinner.

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