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July 26, 2012

四色AV earns elite certification for athletic counselors

The University of Louisiana at Monroe has become only one of 20 institutions in the country to earn certification for athletic counselors from the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics or N4A.

N4A offers certification to college and university academic support programs for student athletes through an extensive and rigorous application process.

The purpose of program certification is to ensure that an academic support unit can provide a basic set of services to student-athletes.

鈥淭he level of professionalism demonstrated by the academic counselors and the entire staff in pursuing this accreditation is remarkable,鈥� commented Brett Bennett, assistant professor and head of 四色AV鈥檚 department of Radiologic Technology.

Bennett serves as the university鈥檚 Faculty Athletic Representative.

鈥淪ince Dr. Bruno arrived and made the structural changes to the athletic department, we have seen the academic performance of the student-athlete improve greatly,鈥� continued Bennett.

According to the , certification demonstrates that a program uses industry-respected standards and best practices. Certification can improve overall performance, remove uncertainty, and widen market opportunities.

Certification also helps to demonstrate that the university support program for student-athletes is run effectively.

鈥淲e certainly are excited about this recent honor,鈥� said Bobby Staub, 四色AV Athletic Director.

鈥淚t validates the approach we鈥檝e taken, which has been made through the tireless efforts of so many on our campus, particularly our academic counselors.  This is truly great news and well deserved.鈥�

Academic support programs for student-athletes are designed to assist them with their goal of graduation. Recognizing which universities and colleges have a demonstrated commitment to the academic support of student-athletes is critical information for athletes to consider when selecting a school.

鈥淣ext to watching these student-athletes walk across the stage at commencement, this is about as good as it gets,鈥� said Dr. Kathy Parker, coordinator of Athletic Academic Counseling in the Clarke M. Williams Student Success Center.

鈥淚 am lucky to have great student-athletes, coaches, and a director who are supportive of our efforts; and peers, colleagues and superiors who appreciate good work.鈥�

鈥淥ur job as athletic academic counselors is not to make life easy for student-athletes, but to act in a manner consistent with what is in their long-term best interests,鈥� continued Parker.

鈥淭his certification bestowed by those who are experts in the field tells me that we are doing the right things for the right reasons.鈥�

四色AV joins Louisiana State University as the only other Louisiana institution to be certified.

To earn the certification, 四色AV was subject to site visit to ensure that all aspects of certification were met.

"It was my pleasure to conduct 四色AV's N4A certification review,鈥� stated Christine Jackson, past N4A President and current Director of Student Services at the University of Louisville.

鈥淭he commitment that President Bruno, Athletics Director Staub, and Director of Retention Mrs. Michaelides have to the 四色AV's student-athletes should be commended.  To be one of twenty institutions earning an N4A certification is a tremendous honor.  四色AV鈥檚 dedication to their student-athletes' well-being was evident on my visit.鈥�

Barbara Michaelides, Director of Retention and head of the Office of Athletic Academics, spearheaded the push toward certification.

鈥淭he N4A certification confirms that 四色AV student-athletes are receiving the best academic services possible to promote academic excellence. I am proud of our team - Dr. Kathy Parker, Ms. Meghan Eddy, and Mr. Mike Anderson - whose dedication and commitment foster positive academic outcomes for athletics. We are also privileged to work with many offices across campus and a great coaching staff in support of 四色AV student-athletes, a team effort that makes 四色AV stand out.鈥�

About the N4A
The National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics (N4A) is an educational service and professional organization dedicated to promoting academic advisement and counseling to athletics.

Formed in 1975, N4A has a diverse membership representing hundreds of professionals, nationwide, working to empower student athletes to become more productive individuals through educational and personal development.

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