Rick Farnham retired from the University of Vermont after spending 30 years in the Department of Athletics, the last 12, as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics from 1991-2003. During his tenure at UVM from 1973-2003, Rick held the positions of Assistant Coach of Football, Head Coach of Lacrosse and Assistant Director of Athletics. Vermont an NCAA Division I institution, sponsored 26 men's and women's Varsity programs during Rick's involvement in the operation of the Athlete Department, including Recreational Sports and Physical Education. Having earned his undergraduate and Masters degrees from Vermont, he more than gave back to the institution that provided the opportunity to be a student –athlete in football; Rick made it his career!

During his administration as A.D. the University's President cancelled the 1999-2000 Men's hockey season with 16 games remaining as a result of the team's hazing incident. Rick utilized this experience and his educational initiatives to make numerous presentations to high schools and universities regarding the understanding and prevention of this cultural phenomena. Hazing prevention, through student, coaching, and administrative leadership is the focus of his consultation and speaking opportunities. Presentations have included the NCAA National Convention in 2001, the ECAC Fall Convention in 2004, and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics annual meeting in June of 2005.

In 2001, he received the ECAC Jostens' Athletic Administrator of the Year Award. He has served as President of the America East Conference and its Executive Board. Rick spent six years on the NCAA men's Div. I Soccer Committee and was its Chair in 1999 for the NCAA Championships in Charlotte, NC. He has received awards and recognitions from D.A.R.E., Vermont Special Olympics, ECAC Hockey, UVM's College of Education, and has been inducted into the Vermont Academy Hall of Fame.