ITTA BENA, Mississippi -- Mississippi Valley State University's athletic department has a great reason to celebrate, the grand opening of the Student-Athlete Academic Success Center.For the first time in the history of athletics at "The Valley" the student-athletes have a learning center and a staff on hand to assist them in their studies. Ms. Sherese Parker, who serves as the Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services/Senior Women Administrator, leads the SAASC staff.
"The opening of the Student-Athlete Academic Success Center today was phenomenal! It has been a much anticipated event, and to have our NCAA partners on campus today to share in the opening, made it an even greater occasion," said Ms. Parker.
Parker also stated, "This center will be is a critical component in the continued academic success of our student-athletes. Being able to have academic support staff (counselors, a learning specialist, interns and tutors) in the same centralized area will make it easier for students to connect with academic resources. This will add to the proactive strategies being put into place to improve our current APR and maintain (and surpass) the NCAA requirements. I am excited for the future of athletic academic services here are Mississippi Valley, and even more elated for the student-athletes it will serve."
Student-athletes, representing every sport, were present and given an opportunity to speak candidly with the NCAA representatives as a part of the day festivities. There were a few seniors present during a roundtable with the NCAA staff, however they were just as excited about the changes as the underclassmen.
"Today was a great day in "The Valley" for our student-athletes, coaches, staff and athletics stakeholders to see a promise fulfilled. The Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) grant has solidified the vision of Dr. Bynum and Mrs. Ford-Kee for our program. It was a privilege to see the reactions on the students and coaches faces as they walked into the center, commented Ms. K. Renia Edwards, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and Student-Athlete Affairs.
"Ms. Parker and her staff will be able to engage the student-athletes in several different mediums to enhance their academic, social and professional development during their time at MVSU. This will help in our recruiting efforts and enhance our graduation rates in the future. A special thanks to the Oversight Committee, the faculty and staff that serve in the roles of certifying our student-athletes to represent MVSU with pride," stated Edwards.
Today was a day of smiles and celebration in "The Valley" and it shall be remembered for years to come. The student-athletes were able to see that the department and NCAA are deeply invested in their education and future success.
Mrs. Dianthia Ford-Kee (Athletic Director) said, "Today was a historic moment in MVSU athletics for our student-athletes. We wanted to commemorate the grand opening of our new Student-Athlete Academic Success Center in a manner that our student-athletes would not forget. Having the grand opening [of the center] while the NCAA AASP Grant Team was on campus, meeting about our progress in Year 1 of the initiative would prove to be a highlight of their visit. It also provided the NCAA AASP Grant Team the opportunity to witness the impact of the grant resources to transform the space within the Academic Skills Parlor into a new computer lab, tutorial lab, lounge area, office space for the staff and meeting space."
Ford-Kee finished with, "I'm proud of my staff and the members of the Oversight Committee for supporting the vision as well as the collaborative effort being done to bring about change to improve academic support services for our athletes. The grant resources will continue to make a difference in the academic success of our student-athletes for years to come."
COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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