WASHINGTON – Gallaudet University Athletics Director Warren Keller has announced Todd Bonheyo as the department's new Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR).

Bonheyo, a faculty member in the Department of Science, Technology and Math, succeeds Dr. Brendan Stern, a faculty member in the Department of Government and Public Affairs, who served as the Athletic Department's FAR since May 2017.

"We are excited that a former Bison student-athlete is going to be leading in this role and help all of our current Gallaudet student-athletes succeed inside and outside the classroom," said Keller. "Todd was an outstanding leader during his time as our quarterback on the gridiron and guard on the basketball court. I have no doubt that he will be a positive influence to all the people he will be working with."

A FAR is a member of the faculty at an NCAA member institution who has been designated by the institution to serve as a liaison between the institution and the athletics department, and also as a representative of the institution in conference and NCAA affairs. The role of the FAR is to ensure that the academic institution establishes and maintains the appropriate balance between academics and intercollegiate athletics.

"My goal is to continue strengthening the bridge between academic and athletic departments, while supporting our student athletes and ensuring they embrace the core values at the heart of the NCAA D-III experience," said Bonheyo.

Bonheyo was a CoSIDA Academic All-America Division III men's basketball third team selection in March 2016. Bonheyo played three seasons of basketball at Gallaudet along with two years on the football team. He graduated from Gallaudet in May 2016 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and an impressive 3.98 grade point average. He finished his Gallaudet basketball career with 342 points, 230 rebounds, 221 assists and 75 steals in 71 games played. In two seasons on the gridiron, the quarterback threw for 1,159 yards and 11 touchdowns and ran for 1,273 yards and 19 touchdowns in 18 games. He helped to pioneer Gallaudet to the 2013 Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) championship and a berth into the NCAA tournament. He earned 2013 All-ECFC honorable mention honors a year after being named 2012 ECFC Rookie of the Year.

Bonheyo earned his master's degree in data analytics from Slippery Rock University in 2018. Bonheyo received the 2020 Excellence in Teaching and Learning with Technology Award presented by Gallaudet Technology Services and Teaching and Learning with Technology Committee. Bonheyo teamed up with Dr. Gerardo Chacon to launch a minor in Data Science in Fall 2020.

In the summer 2022, Bonheyo helped to launch the first STAMP Summer Bridge Program, a free four-week program held at the end of the summer, just before the start of the fall semester. Hosted by Gallaudet's School of Science, Technology, Accessibility, Mathematics, and Public Health (STAMP), the program welcomes deaf and hard of hearing students from underrepresented groups who are interested in science, technology, or mathematics. The program gives students an introduction to life at Gallaudet, puts them on the path to success, and provides continued support through their first year in STEM majors.

"I gained invaluable experience, knowledge, and memories during my five years as a student athlete at Gallaudet University, I am forever in debt to what Gallaudet gave me, both academically and athletically," said Bonheyo. "I see the FAR role as an excellent opportunity to pay it forward by bringing together students, faculty, and staff."

Dr. Stern was instrumental as Gallaudet's FAR as he served as principal grant writer to secure the NCAA Strategic Alliance Matching Grant of approx. $300,000 for diversity and inclusion. He launched the Faculty-Athlete Mentorship Program to facilitate the integration of athletics and academics, promote student-athlete success, foster anti-racism work and advance the NCAA Division-III philosophy. Dr. Stern also worked with Bison athletic teams and coaches to coordinate voter registration drives in 2020 and 2022.

"We want to thank Dr. Brendan Stern for his time serving as our FAR. During his time here, he brought many new insights as a former student-athlete and men's and women's basketball coach here at Gallaudet and implemented several new initiatives," said Keller.