Alabama State President Gwendolyn Boyd and Jackson State President Carolyn Meyers were the only presidents to vote against the conference measure that allowed four banned schools to participate in the upcoming SWAC Tournament.
“Alabama State University is committed to the academic success of all of its students, which includes all student-athletes,” Boyd said. “Our primary goal is to support the teaching, research and service mission of the University to support our students.
My decision to vote against the change in the SWAC’s by-laws was solely based on my support of academics as the number – one priority for all student -athletes within the SWAC. All student – athletes should be thought of and treated as students first.”
Boyd said universities should always place education ahead of athletics.
“As educators, role models and mentors to our student – athletes, we all have a responsibility to promote and support their success in the classroom first, regardless of the college or university that they attend.”
The SWAC announced last week that all ten member schools will be allowed to compete in the conference’s men’s and women’s basketball tournament at the Toyota Center in Houston March 11-15.
“Therefore, my vote reflects my commitment to education first, and support of all of our SWAC student-athletes being champions in the classroom,” Boyd said.
The 8-2 votes paved the way for Grambling, Mississippi Valley State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Southern men’s basketball teams to participate in the tournament even though they are still ineligible to play in in the NCAA tournament because they were unable to meet APR requirements.
