Florida Tech Awarded Division II President’s Award for Academic Excellence

Only 24 Division II institutions received the prestigious award

INDIANAPOLIS (Athletics News) – Florida Tech was one of only 24 institutions among 300 schools selected to receive the first Division II Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence. This prestigious honor recognizes athletics programs with four-year Academic Success Rates (ASR) of 90 percent or more.

“It’s quite an honor to receive this award,” Florida Tech President Anthony J. Catanese said. “Our student-athletes are just as committed to their academics as they are to their sport. I’m proud of their determination to succeed in both areas, and especially proud of them becoming graduates of Florida Tech.”

The Academic Success Rate measures graduation rates for virtually all Division II student-athletes, including transfers and those not receiving athletic related financial aid.

FIT achieved one of the highest four-year ASR, graduating 90 percent of its student-athletes within six years of original enrollment. The most recent four-year ASR measured the entering cohorts from 2001-04.

“I commend our student-athletes for their hard work in the classroom and on the playing field,” Athletic Director Bill Jurgens said. “This award is also a reflection of the commitment of our administration, faculty, staff and coaches who assist in the personal and professional growth of our student-athletes.”

FIT student-athletes performed well above the national four-year ASR average of 72 percent. In January, the Panthers’ impressive rating helped the Sunshine State Conference retain the highest ASR for the fifth straight year at 86 percent. Fellow SSC members Eckerd College and Rollins College also received the Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence.

“The Presidents Council commends all of these programs for this outstanding accomplishment,” Pat O’Brien, president of West Texas A&M University and chair of the Division II Presidents Council, said. “Achieving a 90 percent graduation rate over even one year is an impressive accomplishment. To do it over four years says so much about the commitment that these schools have to the academic success of their student-athletes.”