SIU Student-Athletes Graduating Above The Division I National Average
10/28/2004 | 12:00:00 | General
Oct. 28, 2004
By Lou Antoine
SIUSalukis.com
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - While many fans have noticed the success of SIU's athletic teams the last few years, Southern Illinois University student-athletes have also improved dramatically in the classroom under current athletics director Paul Kowalczyk.
The NCAA's yearly report of the federally mandated graduation rates released this week shows that Division I student-athletes entering school for the 1997-98 academic year tied an NCAA record with a 62 percent national average graduation rate in the six-year window established by the U.S. Department of Education.
Meanwhile, the Southern Illinois University student-athlete fared even better, graduating at a 70% rate for the same class. The Salukis topped the national average by eight percent, finished fourth among 10 Missouri Valley Conference teams and fifth among the 13 MVC teams and three Gateway Conference schools that play football (W. Illinois, Youngstown St. & W. Kentucky) combined.
"This continues to reinforce the notion that we do take academics seriously here. We strongly believe in the student-athlete concept. While this rate is good, we know we can do better, and we'll continue to strive to do better. We're pleased with this class, but the job never ends," said Kowalczyk.
When Kowalczyk arrived in June of 2000, the graduation rate for the 1993-94 class measured over the six-year period was 37 percent. In his four years at the helm since, that number has increased to 70 percent in the most recent class measured by the NCAA.
"We've proven that if kids come here and stay here, they'll earn a degree. There's really not a better testament to the commitment that you have departmentally or institutionally," added Kowalczyk.
"Unfortunately you can't keep all the students here, because they leave for various reasons. Our institution, given the number of first-generation college students that attend SIU, has shown that we are definitely committed to trying to provide the best support we can for the student-athletes academically, by graduating 89 percent of our student-athletes over the last 16 years."
In an effort to continue improving both numbers, Southern Illinois University will break ground on the new $3 million Troutt-Wittmann Academic & Training Center on Friday, Oct. 29. The facility, which will be a 10,000-square feet addition to Lingle Hall, will include an academic center on the second floor with a mix of quiet areas to study or be tutored, high-speed internet connections and a combination of traditional and modern educational resources, from books to study guides and computer labs.
"Having the Troutt-Wittmann Academic Center come on board (in 2005) shows a commitment that will not only underline our past results, but will enhance those numbers down the road," Kowalczyk stated.
1997-98 Class
MVC Graduation RatesBradley 85%
Creighton 73%
Illinois St. 71%
So. Illinois 70%
No. Iowa 63%
SMS 62%
Drake 61%
Indiana St. 61%
Evansville 60%
Wichita St. 58%
Gateway Graduation Rates
W. Illinois 71%
Youngstown St. 58%
W. Illinois 55%
