University of Hartford

NCAA regulations require intercollegiate athletics programs to be designed as a vital part of the university experience. In addition, regulations require that intercollegiate athletics programs protect and enhance the educational and physical welfare of the student-athletes. These requirements commit member institutions to the maintenance of the highest regard for the academic and personal well-being of our student-athletes. Faculty voices and perspectives in the administration and oversight of intercollegiate athletics programs have been recognized within the NCAA as legitimate and necessary. 

Dr. Catherine Certo was named NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative for the University of Hartford in 2009. She serves as a liaison between the institution and the athletics department, and also as a representative of the University in conference and NCAA affairs. 

Dr. Certo has been associated with the University of Hartford for 18 years, all in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. Since coming to Hartford, she has facilitated the evolution of the Physical Therapy program from a bachelor’s program to doctoral conferring degree program. She has also facilitated the implementation of the Master of Science in Prosthetics and Orthotics. She has been instrumental in positioning the University’s rehabilitation programs as one of the strongest in New England. 

Dr. Certo has been an active member of the Athletics community for 12 years, most recently serving as the chair of the Athletics Council. She has also served as the committee chair in charge of the governance section for NCAA recertification, as a member of the compliance committee, and is a season ticket holder for both men’s and women’s basketball. 

Dr. Certo is a longtime Connecticut resident, who currently resides in Bloomfield. 

She received her bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and her master’s and doctorate from Boston University.