Sara Higley Appointed As FSU's Compliance Coordinator & SWA

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University Athletics Department has announced the appointment of Sara Higley as the school's compliance coordinator and senior women's administrator, according to an announcement made by FSU Athletics Director Perk Weisenburger.

Higley, who has served in an interim capacity since the start of the 2011-12 athletics season, becomes the school's first full-time compliance coordinator and will oversee all aspects of FSU's NCAA and conference compliance and reporting program while working closely with each of the Bulldogs' 15 varsity teams.  She officially began her duties in the new role on Dec. 20, 2012. 

"Sara has gained considerable experience and has proven to be a valuable asset to our department," Weisenburger said.  "We're excited to have her as a permanent member of our team as we continue to strengthen and build the Bulldog Athletics brand."

A local native, Higley graduated from Morley-Stanwood High School and earned a bachelor's degree in sports management and communications from the University of Michigan in 2005. She's currently taking classes towards a master's degree in business administration at Ferris State.

As an undergraduate student, Higley served as a sports marketing intern at Michigan for two years and also spent time working with the Leisure Intelligence Group, a sports management consulting firm, from 2005 to 2007.  

She served as a freelance writer from 2008 to 2010 before initially joining the FSU Athletics program as a part-time compliance assistant in 2011.

In her role as the department's compliance coordinator and senior women's administrator, Higley will serve on the school's administrative team and assist in various other capacities such as sports oversight, budgeting and more.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to continue my career and the work we've already accomplished at Ferris State," Higley said.  "We've made tremendous progress and I've enjoyed working with our coaches and staff daily to provide a first-class experience for our student-athletes."

Ferris State recorded its highest finish ever in the Learfield Sports Division II Director's Cup during the 2011-12 season as the Bulldogs placed 15th nationally in the all-sports competition.  FSU also ranked 15th this year upon the conclusion of the fall season and finished third last year in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) President's Cup competition.