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For the 13th consecutive year, Rollins has earned the NCAA President’s Award for Academic Excellence, which recognizes the College among the nation’s top schools for blending athletic and academic excellence.

The NCAA recognizes Division II members schools earning an academic success rate (ASR) of 90 percent or higher, and Rollins is one of just 44 schools to receive the distinction this year.

The ASR equates to the percentage of student-athletes who graduate within six years of initial collegiate enrollment. For 2023, Rollins student-athletes achieved a 96 percent success rate, landing in the top spot in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) and tying for seventh highest in the nation.

“Congratulations to the 44 schools who have earned this prestigious award,” says Steven Shirley, president of Minot State and chair of the Division II Presidents Council. “It takes a collective effort from the student-athletes, coaches, and university and athletic administrators to earn an academic success rate of 90 percent or higher, and I’m very excited to recognize these schools.”

The Tars join Florida Southern College, Barry University, Florida Institute of Technology, and Eckerd College as the only schools from the SSC to earn the President’s Award.

“This recognition is a testament to Rollins’ unwavering commitment to our student-athletes, coaches, and the entire Rollins community,” shares business management major and lacrosse player Ben Kopen ’24. “Being a student-athlete has allowed me to forge invaluable connections and build lifelong friendships. These connections have provided me with a profound understanding of different perspectives, values, beliefs, and walks of life. As I reflect on my time at Rollins, I’m grateful for the holistic education that goes beyond textbooks and athletic competitions. The skills of collaboration, adaptability, and camaraderie cultivated here are invaluable assets that will continue to shape my personal and professional journey long after graduation.”

According to the NCAA, Division II student-athletes continue to graduate at a higher rate than the general student body. Since the organization started recognizing institutions with high ASRs in 2010, Rollins has consistently made the list, becoming one of only eight schools to have earned the award every year.

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