Western Illinois University Athletics

Dr. Cody is being recognized for more than two decades of extraordinary service to Western Illinois Athletics. Serving as the University's Faculty Athletics Representative from 2000-23, he became the longest-tenured FAR in school history while working alongside five university presidents and seven directors of athletics. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Cody served as the vital liaison between the University, the NCAA, and the athletics department, ensuring institutional integrity while championing student-athlete success.

A respected leader at both the institutional and national levels, Dr. Cody served on numerous NCAA, conference, and University committees, including the NCAA Academic Eligibility Cabinet and the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee. He played an instrumental role in implementing the NCAA's Academic Progress Rate (APR) at Western Illinois, helped strengthen the University's compliance and financial aid processes, and was a founding member of LEAP (Leathernecks Excel as Athletes and People), a confidential support program focused on student-athlete mental health and performance. Even in retirement, Dr. Cody continues to serve Leatherneck Athletics as the color analyst for WIU football broadcasts while providing mental performance coaching for the men's and women's golf programs.