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Rollins Among Nation’s Best for Athletic and Academic Excellence

December 12, 2019

By Stephanie Rizzo ’09

Men’s basketball team captain Jakobi Bonner ’20 about to make a shot on the basketball court.
Men’s basketball team captain Jakobi Bonner ’20 was recently selected for the prestigious NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum. Photo by Courtesy Rollins College Athletics.

The College was recently honored with the NCAA’s Division II Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence for achieving an academic success rate of 94 percent.

For the ninth consecutive year, Rollins has ranked among the top schools honored with the NCAA Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence.

The NCAA recognizes Division II member schools earning an academic rate of 90 percent or higher. The College is one of just 32 schools receiving the distinction this year.

The academic success rate equates to the percentage of student-athletes who graduate within six years of initial collegiate enrollment. This year, Rollins student-athletes achieved a 96 percent success rate, topping the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) and tying for fourth in the nation.

The Tars join Eckerd College, Barry University, and Florida Southern College as the only schools from the SSC to earn the Presidents’ Award.

“The 32 schools recognized with the Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence are dedicated to supporting the academic success of student-athletes,” says Gary Olson, president of Daemen College and chair of the Division II Presidents Council. “What is even more remarkable, 11 of these schools have been recognized each year of this program. We commend the institutions for their commitment to academic excellence and dedication to preparing student-athletes for life after college.”

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 academic success rates in 2010, Rollins has consistently made the list.


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