With the recent release (10/14/08) of the NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) Study, the Tennessee State University athletics department received welcomed empirical evidence that they are achieving the goals of athletics director Teresa Phillips.
The recent study for student-athletes from the years 1998-2001 showed that the graduation rates for student-athletes at Tennessee State University was eighty-five percent (85%), which placed TSU student-athletes in the Top 3 among colleges in the state of Tennessee following only Vanderbilt (94%) and Belmont (87%). Additionally, Tennessee State University remains in second place among HBCU’s following Alcorn State (MS) with 99%. While TSU is a limited resources institution, the Athletics Director consistently makes academic a priority. “I am very pleased with all student-athletes’ perseverance and commitment toward academic excellence.” says Athletics Director, Teresa Phillips.
Data shows that Tennessee State University student-athletes are graduating at an increasing rate within a six-year period. The Federal Graduation Rates for scholarship student-athletes beginning 2001-2002 was released this week, and TSU finished with a high of 85%.
“I am so proud of the graduation success that our student-athletes are experiencing at TSU,” said Dr. Johnnie C. Smith, Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Services. “The new Academic Reform graduation success rate serves as a wonderful tool in keeping academics a priority, and the TSU Athletics Academic Services staff works extremely hard in keeping our student-athletes on track to graduate within four-years or sooner”.
