COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Saint John's University athletic director Bob Alpers '82 has announced Ben Trnka '11 as the Johnnies' new faculty athletics representative.

An assistant professor of accounting and finance, Trnka (trinka) came to CSB and SJU after serving as a senior internal auditor at Prime Therapeutics in Bloomington, Minn. Prior to Prime Therapeutics, Trnka specialized in manufacturing and transportation as an auditor in the Minneapolis office of KPMG.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to work with the coaches, administration and my faculty colleagues to help create the best possible experience for our student-athletes," Trnka said.

As a student at CSB and SJU, Trnka was a four-year member of the Johnnies' swimming and diving team and studied abroad in Salzburg, Austria. He completed his Master of Accountancy from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management in 2015.

He succeeds Dr. Ken Jones, who retired from SJU and the College of Saint Benedict after 46 years of teaching and serving 28 as the Johnnies' faculty athletics representative. In April, Jones received the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's (MIAC) Distinguished Service Award, which is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to their institution and the conference. The award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual from the MIAC.

"Ken is a legend and we will forever be grateful for his service," SJU athletic director Bob Alpers '82 said. "He has been an incredible mentor and friend to our student-athletes and coaches and we wish Ken the best in his retirement."

"With Ken's retirement, we are thrilled that Ben Trnka has accepted the faculty athletics representative position. Ben is a highly-respected faculty member who was also an accomplished student-athlete in his time at SJU. Ben will be a tremendous advocate for our student-athletes and a great resource for our coaches and students. I am incredibly pleased to welcome Ben to our team."

A native of La Crescent, Minn., Trnka begins his ninth year as an assistant professor at CSB and SJU this fall.