Dr. Jim Griffis is in his 25^th year at USC Upstate and in his sixth year working with the Athletics Department as the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR). In addition to his duties as the FAR, he has assumed the role as the action Director of Athletics to close out the 2012-13 academic year.

Dr. Griffis has served as an Associate Professor of Philosophy since joining the Upstate family in 1986. He teaches courses in logic, ancient philosophy and epistemology. He quickly gained a reputation for his work in and out of the classroom and was selected as the Chair of Social Behavioral Sciences, remaining in the position from 1993-2000. He served as the Faculty Chair from 2006-08.

With his love of athletics and his reputation in working with the faculty, Dr. Griffis was elected by the faculty to serve as the Faculty Athletics Representative for the University in 2006. He is winding down his fifth year in the position.

In addition to his work as the FAR, Dr. Griffis is involved in other campus activities, serving as an advisor for the College Republicans and President of the USC Upstate Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi. He has also earned notoriety with the NCAA and has earned an appointment on the Awards, Benefits, Expenses and Financial Aid Cabinet.

A native of Richmond, Ind., Dr. Griffis received his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Wabash College in 1979. He earned his doctorate degree in Philosophy from SUNY at Buffalo in 1985. An avid sports fan, Dr. Griffis runs recreationally and has participated in marathons in Chicago, Ill., and Greenville, S.C., and is expecting to compete in additional events in the future. He also plays golf and basketball, and also likes to cook in his free time. He and his wife, Cindy, have three children; Adam, Renee and John; and three grandchildren.