lsu cox communications academic center for student-athletes 2015-16 annual report

ANNUAL REPORTENTER TO LEARN, LEAVE TO SERVE

2015 – 2016

THE SPRING 2016 MODELS OF EXCELLENCE HONOREES TACKLED SOME OF THE MOST PRESSING ISSUES IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND FOUND DEMONSTRATIVE SUCCESS IN THEIR TACTICS. WE ARE PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE THEIR EFFORTS ALONGSIDE UNIVERSITY BUSINESS.

The Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes

was one of eight recipients from across the country honored by University

Business magazine in its Spring 2016 Models of Excellence recognition

program. Models of Excellence is a national recognition program honoring

colleges and universities that have implemented innovative, effective

and inter-departmental initiatives that are bolstering student success.

“LSU realizes the unique challenges this population faces, and offers

a holistic solution that helps this group succeed outside of game day,”

says University Business senior editor Tim Goral. “For student-athletes,

pressure bears down from all angles - from classroom expectations

to media scrutiny.”

ANDREW CRAWFORD, Senior Vice President Of Campus Services and Operations at Higher One.

It is an honor and privilege to serve as the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Executive Director of

the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes (CCACSA) at Louisiana State University. This has

truly been a remarkable year. This is the third year that we have honored our Fall semester 3.0 and higher grade point

average student-athletes during a basketball game and our Spring 3.0 and higher grade point average student-athletes during a home football game. On the eve of the 2016 Spring Commencement, the inaugural student-athlete celebration entitled, “The Tribute”, recognized fifty-nine honorees. These young men and women transcended the notion of what it means to be a student-athlete transitioning from student-athlete to scholar-athlete to graduate. Clearly, transformative in nature, but an expectancy when they commit to Louisiana State University as student-athletes. Our graduation success rate for all of our student-athletes reached a monumental 84% for 2015, a 3% increase from our last two years at 81%. The formula for graduation success equals intrinsic motivation plus academic, social, and information technology integration. I would like to extend a big thank you to Cox Communications for their continuous support.

All of our varsity teams exceeded the minimum academic performance rate of 930; 16 have a multi-year score of 950; four teams boast a perfect score of 1000 up from three in the previous year; and eleven teams received a perfect score of 1000 for the single year up from eight teams. We have volunteered more than 5,600 hours, which tops our previous year’s total by more than 800 hours, demonstrating our commitment to community engagement. In April of 2016, the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes was one of eight recipients from across the country honored by University Business magazine as a Model of

Excellence program for our commitment to student development and success.

We have continued to lead the industry in academic, cognitive, personal, and professional development of student-athletes by offering two conferences to equip current and future professionals with the necessary skills and competencies to buttress their knowledge. “Geaux For The Gold,” which is the 3rd Annual CCACSA Drive-In Conference, is a free daylong conference to invite educators from area high schools, community colleges, and four year institutions to discuss topics related to student-athlete development. The conference was also approved to offer continuing education units for the topics discussed. We also hosted the CCACSA 2nd Annual Tutors and Learning Professionals’ conference entitled, “XLR8 Driving Student Success.” This free one-day professional development conference provided attendees with the unique opportunity to network with tutor/learning center professionals and gain valuable information to support and enhance student learning techniques and outcomes.

As we strive to be the premier provider of transformative student-athlete support services, it is imperative that we collectively develop, implement, and evaluate each stage of our graduation formula for success to ensure that the preparation and the infrastructure will equate to our desired outcomes. As you already know success happens by design, it is not accidental and we, as a team, are intentional in our holistic approach to student-athlete development. It is by design that we mold our student-athletes to become great ambassadors of Louisiana State University so that upon graduation, they can leave to serve the University community, the surrounding community, the state of Louisiana and beyond. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger. Forever LSU!

THE FORMULA FOR GRADUATION SUCCESS EQUALS INTRINSIC MOTIVATION PLUS ACADEMIC, SOCIAL, AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION. KENNETH O. MILES

The above quote illustrates the key to our success for the academic year 2015-2016. It was a year of reaching new milestones and setting the stage for being the leader in student-athlete development. This annual report is a tribute to those accomplishments and a reflection of our successes.

COX COMMUNICATIONS ACADEMIC CENTER FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES 2

ACCOUNTABILITY Exhibiting the willingness to accept responsibility for your actions.

COMMITMENT Pledging excellence every day, every meeting, every situation, every time.

DIVERSITY Embracing and valuing the differences we all bring to the table.

EDUCATION Fostering a thirst for knowledge and promoting the discipline to pursue life-long learning.

INTEGRITY Adhering to a strict moral and ethical code of behavior and action by consistently upholding rules, regulations, and values.

SERVICE Individually and collectively, creating an environment of social awareness, establishing an appetite for helpfulness, and discovering a world with issues greater than our own.

SUCCESS Achieving excellence in all that is desired, planned, or attempted.

TEAMWORK Valuing each other as members of our team and working together to achieve common, agreed upon goals.

The aforementioned is our foundation for success, which clearly has happened by design. As you peruse our annual report, you will start to see the transformation of lives through direction, guidance, passion, commitment, and excellence. Attributes that benefit all whom we served yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

BELOW DEFINES HOW OUR VALUES CONTRIBUTE TO TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF STUDENT-ATHLETES TO SCHOLAR ATHLETES.

VALUES

3 2015-2016 ANNUAL REPORT


ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

ENTER TO LEARN…


45 FIRST-YEAR STUDENT-ATHLETES WERE PLACED ON THE SOUTHEASTERN

CONFERENCE (SEC) ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL. The honor is based on grades from the 2014-15 academic calendar.

Each student-athlete must: 1) have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above;

2) be on scholarship or a letterwinner; 3) have completed 24 semester

hours of non-remedial credit; and 4) have been a member of the

varsity team for the sport’s entire NCAA Championship segment.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE


20152008-09 84

6720051998-99

6920061999-00

SINCE THE NCAA STARTED TRACKING GRADUATION SUCCESS RATES (GSR)* IN 2005 (COHORT DATA FOR 1998-99),

LSU STUDENT-ATHLETES HAVE IMPROVED 17 POINTS AND POSTED THEIR HIGHEST RATE OF 84% IN 2015.

20132006-07

8078

7471

6969

20122005-06

20112004-05

20102003-04

20092002-03

20082001-02

20072000-01

GSR YEARCOHORT

OVERALL GSR FOR ALL LSU STUDENT-ATHLETES

20142007-08 8181

*Graduation Success Rates (GSR): According to the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), the GSR Report provides information about two groups of students at the college or university identified at the top of the form: (1) all undergraduate students who were enrolled in a full-time program of studies for a baccalaureate degree; and (2) student-athletes who received athletics aid from the college or university for any period of time during their entering year.


TEAM 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Men’s Baseball 965 987 973 973 967 958

Men’s Basketball 905 911 909 955 957 973

Men’s Cross Country 946 911 913 1000 1000 1000

Men’s Football 966 964 944 946 947 941

Men’s Golf 1000 994 987 980 987 986

Men’s Swimming 987 983 989 984 983 990

Men’s Tennis 977 978 992 1000 1000 1000

Men’s Track, Indoor 939 942 930 952 964 –

Men’s Track, Outdoor 939 944 929 951 963 –

Men’s Track – – – – – 963

Women’s Basketball 971 972 964 966 955 949

Women’s Cross Country 1000 1000 1000 978 976 983

Women’s Golf 993 993 984 991 1000 1000

Women’s Gymnastics 990 981 982 974 978 991

Women’s Soccer 970 976 984 978 979 976

Women’s Softball 961 971 987 983 987 984

Women’s Swimming 987 980 974 982 981 990

Women’s Tennis 993 984 984 992 992 1000

Women’s Track, Indoor 982 984 984 984 985 –

Women’s Track, Outdoor 981 984 984 984 983 –

Women’s Track – – – – – 983

Women’s Volleyball 990 990 984 983 989 989

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

4 TEAMS

SCORED

A PERFECT 1000 APR

16 TEAMS EARNED A

MULTI-YEAR

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

RATE (APR)* GREATER

THAN 950

*Academic Performance Rate (APR): According to the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA), the Academic Progress Rate (APR), implemented in 2003, holds institutions accountable for the academic progress of their student-athletes through a team based metric that accounts for the eligibility and retention of each student-athlete for each academic term. The 2014 multi-year (four year) submission is data submitted by the institution for the following cohorts: 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15. Currently, teams must earn a 930 four-year average APR or a 940 average over the most recent two years to participate in NCAA championships. In 2015-16 and beyond, teams must earn a four-year APR of 930 to compete in championships. A score of 1000 is a perfect score.

BELOW IS OUR MULTI-YEAR APR* FROM 2009-10 TO 2014-15 AS RECORDED BY THE NCAA


BELOW IS OUR SINGLE-YEAR APR FROM 2009-10 TO 2014-15 AS RECORDED BY THE NCAA

+Denotes data representing three or fewer student-athletes. In accordance with FERPA’s interpretation of federal privacy regulations, institutions should not disclose statistical data contained in this report in cells made up of three or fewer students without student consent.

TEAM 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15

Men’s Baseball 962 990 958 980 942 951

Men’s Basketball 932 957 932 1000 94 1000

Men’s Cross Country + + + 1000 + 1000

Men’s Football 948 957 910 973 955 931

Men’s Golf 971 1000 974 971 1000 1000

Men’s Swimming 983 966 1000 980 978 988

Men’s Tennis 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

Men’s Track, Indoor 960 953 930 964 1000 +

Men’s Track, Outdoor 960 961 917 964 1000 +

Women’s Basketball 982 1000 907 975 942 981

Women’s Cross Country 1000 + + + + 1000

Women’s Golf 971 1000 958 1000 1000 1000

Women’s Gymnastics 980 952 1000 964 1000 1000

Women’s Soccer 970 1000 974 961 973 1000

Women’s Softball 955 1000 988 988 973 986

Women’s Swimming 1000 963 977 991 991 1000

Women’s Tennis 1000 971 1000 1000 1000 1000

Women’s Track, Indoor 991 983 991 973 991 +

Women’s Track, Outdoor 990 983 991 973 983 +

Women’s Volleyball 978 1000 975 976 1000 1000

11 TEAMS

SCORED

A PERFECT 1000 APR

15 TEAMS EARNED A

SINGLE-YEAR

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

RATE (APR)* GREATER

THAN 950


ANDRIA AGUILAR Women’s Track and FieldAndria Aguilar graduated from LSU in May 2015 with her degree in International Studies and a 3.914 GPA. She is a three-time

member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll, and also a former CoSIDA Academic All-District VI First Team and USTFCCCA All-Academic selection.

PHILIP DEMPSEY Men’s Track and FieldPhilip Dempsey graduated from LSU in May 2015 with his degree in interdisciplinary studies and a 3.976 grade point average. He is a

four-time Wally Pontiff, Jr. Academic Excellence Award winner and is a four-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

NADINE DREHER Women’s Golf, Sophomore Nadine Dreher held a 3.962 GPA while majoring in Sport Administration. She was part of the 2015 NCAA Championship

lineup, has been named to the Academic Honor Roll by the league for the third straight year, and was named a WGCA Scholar Athlete for the second time.

MICHELLE GAUTHIER Gymnastics As a junior on the LSU Gymnastics team, Michelle Gauthier held a 3.967 GPA while majoring in Kinesiology. Michelle

is on the Executive Board of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She was a 2014 Wally Pontiff, Jr. Academic Excellence Award recipient, and has earned Scholastic All-America honors and multiple selections to the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS

WALLY PONTIFF, JR.*ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS

The Wally Pontiff, Jr., Academic Excellence Award, established in 2003, is presented each year to those undergraduate student-athletes who are in at least their third year academically at LSU, and who have the highest cumulative grade point averages among all student-athletes.

THERESE JERNBECK Women’s Track and Field As a junior on the Track & Field Team, Therese Jernbeck held a 3.969 GPA while majoring in International Trade and Finance.

Therese was a 2014 Wally Pontiff, Jr. Academic Excellence Award recipient.

THOMAS LEBEAU FootballAs a junior on the football team, Thomas LeBeau held a 3.911 while majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He was the 2014

TAF Male Scholar Athlete of the Year. He has been named to the SEC Honor Roll for the third time, and in his career has made the Dean’s List for Academic Excellence and been awarded numerous scholarships for athletic and academic excellence.

*Pontiff, 21, a three-year baseball letterman, was the designated hitter on LSU’s 2000 NCAA championship team, and he was the starting third baseman in his last two seasons. A biological sciences major with a 3.25 GPA, Pontiff was named to the 2002 District VI Academic All-America team, and he was a two-time member of the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll. He was selected in the 21st round of the 2002 draft by the Oakland Athletics. He was a member of the All-SEC second team in the 2002 season and made the first All-SEC team the previous year. He passed away unexpectedly in 2002 prior to making a decision to return to LSU or sign with the Athletics.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE


CHAISS MATTHEWS Women’s Track and Field As a sophomore on the Track & Field team, Chaiss Matthews maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. She was a 2014 Wally Pontiff Jr.

Academic Excellence Award Recipient at last year’s Academic Gala. Chaiss was named to the 2015 SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll, and capped her 2015 season by graduating from LSU with her degree in Biology.

MARIEL MCLAUGHLIN SoccerMariel McLaughlin graduated as a University Medalist in December 2015 with her degree in Biology and a 4.0 GPA.

She was a 2014 Wally Pontiff Jr. Academic Excellence Award Recipient and has been named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll for the third time in her career.

JOHN DAVID MOORE FootballJunior football player, John David Moore maintained a 3.9 GPA, while majoring in Architecture. He was honored as a member

of the 2015 SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll and was featured in a video produced by the LSU School of Architecture “Where Passion Becomes Genius” to help promote the school to prospective students.

DYLAN SUPAK SoftballAs a senior on the softball team, Dylan Supak maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while majoring in Kinesiology. Dylan was the 2014

TAF Female Scholar Athlete of the Year, a 2013 and 2014 Wally Pontiff Jr. Academic Excellence Award Recipient, and a 2015 SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll member. She was named to both the 2015 CoSIDA Capital One Division I Softball Academic All-District VI First Team and All-America Second Team. Dylan became the second player in program history to earn the NCAA Elite 89 Award at the 2015 Women’s College World Series.

DANIEL TANNER Men’s Track and FieldDaniel Tanner maintained a 3.925 GPA while majoring in Petroleum Engineering. Daniel is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory

Committee and was honored as a member of the 2015 SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.

FOR THE 2014-15 ACADEMIC YEAR, 184 STUDENT-ATHLETES

MET THE CRITERIA FOR THE DIRECTOR’S

CUP AWARD, EARNING A GPA OF 3.0 OR

HIGHER OVER THE PAST YEAR.


BENGAL BELLES ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD The Bengal Belles Academic Achievement Award was created to recognize the achievements of student-athletes who have risen to the next level of academia. These student-athletes completed their undergraduate degrees while pursuing a graduate degree with a 3.0 or higher as a LSU student-athlete on their respective field of competition.

ANDREA MAXWELL Women’s Track and FieldAndrea Maxwell transferred from Saint Leo University where she earned her undergraduate degree. She enrolled in the

Masters of Public Administration program and ran Cross Country for the Tigers in the fall of 2014. She had numerous strong finishes for the Tigers and finished the season competing at the NCAA South Central Regional.

BYRAN MUTELL Men’s Track and FieldBryan Mutell was an outstanding student during his career with the Tigers as a four-time selection to the SEC Academic Honor Roll. He

graduated from LSU in May 2015 with his degree in Economics.

ANNIE SIMONEAUX Women’s Track and Field Annie Simoneaux was a javelin thrower, who graduated from LSU in May 2015 with a degree in Kinesiology. Throughout her

LSU career, Annie was awarded a Second-Team All-American honor and All-SEC honors as an elite javelin thrower. She was a USTFCCCA All-Academic selection and was a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll. In 2015, she became the No. 8-ranked javelin thrower in school history.

SCARLETT WILLIAMS Gymnastics Scarlett Williams transferred to LSU after earning a degree in business from Arkansas and is currently pursuing a master’s in

Business Administration from LSU. She is a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE


TIGER ATHLETIC FOUNDATION SCHOLAR ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

JOHN DAVID MOORE FootballJohn David Moore is a sophomore on the Football team. He is currently majoring in Architecture with a 3.9 GPA and was recently

featured in a video produced by the LSU School of Architecture to help promote the school to prospective students. He earned the Alvin Roy Fourth Quarter Award and the Erik Andolsek Leadership Award after spring practice and was also named to the 2015 SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.

MADELENE SAGSTROM Women’s GolfFinishing her undergraduate Psychology degree in December with a 3.47 GPA, Sagstrom rounded out her collegiate

career with an array of academic and athletic accolades. In 2015 she was named a Finalist for the ANNIKA Award, First Team All-American, SEC Player of the Year, First Team All-SEC, SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll, First Team All-Louisiana and All-Louisiana Player of the Year.

Madelene became the first Lady Tiger to average below 72 in stroke average for a season with 71.48 in 33 rounds and finished her career with a 72.95 stroke average, the lowest for any four year player in women’s golf history at LSU. She helped the Tigers advance to their second NCAA Championship appearance during her career and finished ranked No. 2 in the Golfweek and Golfstat Performance rankings.

Posting a team grade point average of 3.153 for the 2014-15 academic year, the MEN’S TENNIS TEAM was recognized with Highest Male Team GPA honors.

With a 3.438 team grade point average for the 2014-15 academic year, the WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS TEAM earned Highest Female Team GPA honors.


COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

LEAVE TO SERVE...




1,521

IN THE LAST THREE YEARS, STUDENT-ATHLETES HAVE LOGGED MORE THAN

4,000 VOLUNTEER HOURS PER YEAR, INCLUDING AN ALL-TIME HIGH OF 5,612 HOURS IN 2014-15.

A HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF STUDENT-ATHLETES PARTICIPATING IN COMMUNITY SERVICE:

2003-04

2004-05

2005-06

2006-07

2007-08

2008-09

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

2014-15

2009-10

884

1,744

4,4753,706

3,1352,648.5

2,3602,589

2,523

4,725.55,612


TIGER ATHLETIC FOUNDATION ATHLETES OF THE YEAR

ALEX BREGMAN BaseballAlex Bregman was one of the most dynamic players in LSU Baseball history. In his three seasons as the Tigers’ starting shortstop,

Bregman started all 196 games, batting .337 with 56 doubles, 10 triples, 21 homers, 148 RBI, 153 runs and 66 stolen bases. His 56 career doubles rank No. 8 in LSU all-time record books. Defensively, he committed just nine errors in 359 chances. In 2015 he was a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award and was named to the ABCA Gold Glove Award Team. He was a first-team All-American for Collegiate Baseball, Baseball America and D1 Baseball, and was also a First-Team All-SEC, SEC All-Defensive Team and the Louisiana Player of the Year. He was selected in the first round (No. 2 overall pick) in the 2015 MLB Draft, by the Houston Astros.

TORI BLISS Track and FieldTori Bliss is the most decorated shot putter in the history of the Lady Tigers Track & Field program. She is a three-time All-American

and is the indoor and outdoor LSU school-record holder in the event. She earned the best finishes by a Lady Tiger in the history of the NCAA Indoor and NCAA Outdoor Championships as a two-time national Silver Medalist in 2014 and 2015. She established her indoor school-record of 60-feet, 7 ¼ inches at the 2015 NCAA Division-1 Indoor Track & Field Championships to become the No. 8-ranked shot putter indoors in NCAA history. Her outdoor school record of 60-feet, 8 inches was set at the 2015 LSU Invitational which qualified her to become the No. 9-ranked shot putter outdoors in NCAA history. Tori wrapped up her career as the NCAA Outdoor Bronze Medalist with a third-place finish nationally in the shot put and was crowned the 2015 SEC Indoor Champion while throwing a meet-record of 60-feet, 1 inch. She also completed her career as the No. 3-ranked discus thrower in school history with a career-best mark of 178 feet, 4 inches.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD

RICKY BLANTON Basketball 1986-89 Mr. Ricky Blanton received the Distinguished Alumnus Award, which recognizes a former student-athlete who excelled both athletically and academically while at LSU, and who has gone on to distinguish themselves in their chosen occupation or in the community. Nominees must be a graduate of LSU and at least ten years removed from their graduation..

378 STUDENT-ATHLETES EARNED A 3.0 GRADE POINT AVERAGE OR HIGHER FOR THE FALL 2015 AND SPRING 2016 SEMESTERS.



THE TIGER CUP

LSU GYMNASTICSThe LSU Gymnastics team logged in over 458.5 hours of community service. These ladies participated in Halloween BOOzar, Thanksgiving with the Tigers, The Blue Ribbon Soirée, Wheels to Succeed, Operation Christmas Child, and LSU Feeds Africa at Healing Place Church.With these ladies giving their time and energy working hard in and out of the gym, the gymnastics team carried an impressive 3.438 GPA for the year.

EYE OF THE TIGER AWARD

COLIN JETER Colin Jeter was presented the Eye of the Tiger Award for overcoming great adversity and accomplishing his academic and athletic goals with perseverance, dedication and determination.

DYLAN SUPAK 2015 Softball

CO-SIDA ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA*

*Co-Sida Academic All-America: The Academic All-America teams program was created in 1952 by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) to honor college athletes who excel not just in sports, but also in academics.


MIKEY’S AWARDS

The Mikey Leadership Awards winners are chosen by a student-athlete selection committee. The award is presented to the male and female student-athletes who have exemplified leadership through every facet of the student-athlete experience. These individuals have shown a commitment to not only inspire and motivate their teammates and other student-athletes, but also those individuals on campus and in the community in which they engage and serve.

FEMALE LEADERSHIP AWARD

KATIE LINDELOW Volleyball She has been a 4-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll, a 2-time member of the SEC Volleyball Community Service

Team and has served as the LSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President for the past two years.

MALE LEADERSHIP AWARD

HENRY SHORTESS Men’s BasketballHe has been a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and was elected as a Rucks Fellow which is bestowed upon the

top Business Management majors in the distinguished E.J. Ourso College of Business.

FEMALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR MANDI OREILLANA, BEACH VOLLEYBALL Mandi finished her freshman season with a 19-9 record highlighted by eight victories against Top 20 opponents which included four wins versus Top 10 teams.

MALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR ALEX LANGE, BASEBALL Alex finished his Rookie Year with 17 starts, posting a 12-0 mark and a 1.97 ERA in 114 innings with 46 walks and 131 strikeouts. He limited opponents to a .212 batting average and allowed only three home runs.

THE BIGGEST UPSET MEN’S GOLF for defeating No. 1 ranked Georgia in the NCAA Semifinal match to advance to the National Championship Match.

PLAY OF THE YEAR TRENT DOMINGUE, FOOTBALL for his 16-yard catch-and-run to seal the win for LSU over Florida.

FEMALE RECORD-BREAKING PERFORMANCE RHEGAN COURVILLE, GYMNASTICS broke the LSU record for all-around titles in a career with 26.

MALE RECORD-BREAKING PERFORMANCE LEONARD FOURNETTE, FOOTBALL set the LSU football record for rushing yards with 1,952 as well as rushing touchdowns with 23 in a single season; he also became the first running back in SEC history to rush for 200 yards in three straight games.



STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAAC)The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is an elite group of student-athletes who work diligently behind the scenes for the benefit of their fellow teammates, LSU, and the Baton Rouge communities. The group is comprised of representatives from each of the 16 sports, and their mission is to assist in the creation of an environment where all student-athletes have the opportunity to maximize their academic, athletic, personal, and social growth and improve their post-college quality of life. They organize several events each year including the Halloween BOOzar for local children, a Thanksgiving and Christmas party for the underprivileged, and a Mikey’s “ESPY” type awards & talent show. They also organize student-athlete visits to schools, hospitals, and community events. Members of the committee represent the university each semester on SEC conference calls and at in-person meetings at the SEC office in Birmingham. Members also have the opportunity to give input on the rules, regulations, and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses.

MALE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

ZACH WRIGHT Men’s GolfZach Wright has shown the importance of giving back by volunteering at events like LSU Move-in Day and Thanksgiving

with the Tigers. He also participated in Live2Serve, Halloween BOOzaar, Hospital Visits and Geaux BIG. For the 2014-2015 year, Zach accumulated 39.5 total hours of community service.

FEMALE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

TORI BLISS Track and FieldTori Bliss has devoted an abundance of her time to volunteering in and around LSU and the Baton Rouge community.

She has helped with both the Kid’s Room and as a Vacation Bible School helper at Healing Place Church. She also spent time helping with LSU Move in Day, Halloween BOOzaar, Hospital Visits, Boys and Girls Club, and many high school track meets. For the 2014-2015 year, Tori accumulated over 173 hours of community service. Her leadership and efforts serve as an example to many.

185 STUDENT-ATHLETES EARNED

SEC ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL RECOGNITION

DURING THE 2015-16 ACADEMIC YEAR.


THE COMMUNITY SERVICE CUP

LSU GYMNASTICSFor the second year in a row, the LSU Gymnastics team was awarded the Community Service Cup. The Community Service Cup was created to recognize the team that displays extraordinary dedication and commitment to serving their community. During the 2014-2015 academic year, LSU student-athletes combined to contribute over 5,612 hours of community service. The Gymnastics team completed 485.5 hours, equating over 30 hours per student-athlete. Their service included events such as the Blue Ribbon Soirée, Halloween BOOzar, the Wheels to Succeed Bike Race, Operation Christmas Child, Animal Adoptions, Heart of the Tigers at Sterling Place Nursing Home, Thanksgiving with the Tigers and LSU Feeds Africa at Healing Place Church. LSU Gymnastics’ commitment to the community exemplifies true teamwork and citizenship to the Baton Rouge area and beyond.

CHI ALPHA SIGMA, THE NATIONAL COLLEGE ATHLETE HONOR SOCIETY, GAINED 45 NEW MEMBERS FROM LSU.Those student-athletes maintained a 3.4 or higher cumulative grade point average by the time

they reached at least junior academic status, are of good moral character, earned a letter in their

sport, and were endorsed by their coach for the honor.


OUR TEAMTOTAL TEAM COMMITMENT...


VISIONARY • SERVANT • AUTHENTIC • ADAPTIVETHE FOUR GUIDING LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES FOR THE CCACSA LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SERIES

On Wednesday, September 1, 2010, Dr. Gaines Foster, Interim Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at LSU, was introduced at our team meeting as the inaugural speaker of CCACSA Leadership Series. The purpose of the series was to teach leadership development through the power of story-telling. Speakers were selected by the CCACSA team and the criteria for nominating and selecting speakers was fairly open. The only criterion was that the speaker must be serving in a leadership role. Unknowingly, the selections espoused the values of our strategic plan (2009-2012) through their work and more importantly through their actions. The values were Accountability, Commitment, Success, Integrity, Diversity, Teamwork, and Citizenship. The values of our strategic plan now (2012-17) are Accountability, Commitment, Success, Integrity, Diversity, Teamwork, Service, and Education. These values serve a twofold purpose: 1. To remind student-athletes how they should be grounded within their daily actions and image, and 2. To remind CCACSA team members what is foundational to our successes for developing student-athletes. It is these two rationales that continue to serve as the basis for stimulating creative thought and producing intellectual minds with the ultimate goal of molding leaders for the future.

Additionally, the fourth goal within The Total Team Commitment (2012-17), our current strategic plan, underscores the importance of nurturing the personal well-being and the professional aspirations of our team. This is accomplished through four objectives: promote well-being to the staff; create an environment to build staff cohesiveness; provide professional development opportunities for staff; and create an environment for

optimal collaboration. The combination of the knowledge and the authentic words of wisdom from our speakers certainly built upon the foundation of these objectives.

Dr. Foster highlighted that one of the most important aspects in leadership is receptiveness and listening. He further explained that we should listen to others and their visions; treat people the way you want to be treated; be honest with people; and do not try to micro-manage. He acknowledged these qualities as key ingredients for being a successful leader. The following distinguished professionals participated in our series for the 2015-16 academic year: Dr. Hector Zapata, LSU Associate Vice Provost for International Programs; Mrs. Ann Duplessis, LSU Board of Supervisor member; Mr. Jerry Ceppos, LSU Dean of the Manship School of Mass Communication; Dr. F. King Alexander, LSU President; Ms. Jennie Stewart, LSU Former Assistant Dean of Students & Associate Director; Dr. Matt Lee, LSU Vice Provost for Academic Programs and Support Services; Mrs. Alejandra Juan, Former Executive Director USS Kidd; Dr. Shirley White, The Career Strategist and Dr. Rick Koubek, LSU Executive Vice President & Provost. All provided powerful and insightful perspectives on their career growth and mapping. Their stories served as a recipe for leadership development and inspiration; some could resonate with perspectives and some became inspired by the roads taken to their respective destinations. In accordance with our motto, we, as educators, must emulate what we preach to our student-athletes: Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve.

Past speakers have included Dr. Michael Martin, Former LSU Chancellor; Dr. Eli Jones, Former LSU Dean E.J. Ourso College of Business, Ms. Jenni Peters, Owner Varsity Sports; Ms. Rebecca Hebert, President & CEO Sexual Assault

Trauma Awareness & Response ; Mrs. Kathi Gill, Former President Neighbors Federal Credit Union (retired); Dr. Damon Andrew, LSU Dean College of Human Sciences and Education; Dr. Stacie Haynie, Former Vice Provost for Academic Affairs; Dr. Dereck Rovaris, Vice Provost for Diversity; Mr. Joe Alleva, LSU Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics; Mrs. Carolyn McKnight, Superintendent Baton Rouge Recreation and Park Commission of East Baton Rouge; Mr. AG Monaco, LSU Associate Vice President Human Resource Management; Dr. Richard White, LSU Dean E.J. Ourso College of Business; Dr. Gil Reeve, Former LSU Vice Provost for Academic Affairs; Dr. Stuart Bell, Former LSU Executive Vice President & Provost; Dr. Alkis Tsolakis, LSU Dean College of Art and Design; Dr. Jane Cassidy, LSU Vice Provost for Human Resources and Academic Space Management; Dr. Carolyn Hargrave, Former LSU Vice president for Academic Affairs for the LSU System; Dr. Laura Lindsay, Founding Dean LSU College of Human Sciences and Education; and Dr. Katrice Albert, Former LSU Vice Provost for Equity Diversity and Community Outreach.

All of our speakers have shaped and molded our team in some form or fashion. In fact, B. J. Nesblett stated, “We are the sum total of our experiences. Those experiences – be they positive or negative – make us the person we are, at any given point in our lives. And, like a flowing river, those same experiences, and those yet to come, continue to influence and reshape the person we are, and the person we become. None of us are the same as we were yesterday, nor will be tomorrow.” This is the landscape for true leadership.

OUR TEAM


TAYLOR DENNEHY Presented “Objective Based Study Hall” which is a student-centered approach to maximize student’s time and productivity at XLR8 Driving Student Success, the

Second Annual Conference for Tutors and Learning Professionals held at the CCACSA.

LYDIA DORSEY Co-coordinated and co-orchestrated the Second Annual Tutorial & Learning Professionals’ Conference, entitled XLR8 Driving Student Success, held at the Cox

Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes. This one-day, “drive-in” professional development opportunity provided attendees with unique opportunities to network with tutor/learning center professionals as well as gain valuable information to support and enhance their student learning techniques and programs. She also co-presented “Increase Success with a Learning Management System (LMS): Utilizing Canvas for Blended Tutor Training” at the third Annual Drive-In Conference entitled, Geaux For The Gold at LSU. Participants learned how CCACSA utilizes Canvas’ free and customizable LMS to increase training transfer by creating a blended learning environment in our own tutor training programs.

SHANEKIA HALL Presented “Strategy Tutoring” which engages students in developing and implementing strategies to enhance theirlearning and successfully

manage course objectives and tasks at XLR8 Driving Student Success, the Second Annual Conference for Tutors and Learning Professionals held at the CCACSA. Strategy tutors facilitate learning and assist students in becoming independent, self-sufficient learners.

COURTNEY HOFFMANN Presented “Mindfulness, Yoga, and Their Connection to Students with Learning Disabilities” at XLR8 Driving Student Success, the Second Annual Conference

for Tutors and Learning Professionals held at the CCACSA in Baton Rouge, LA, the third Annual Drive-In Conference entitled, Geaux For The Gold, in Baton Rouge, LA and the National Association of Academic Advising for Athletics (N4A) 41st annual national conference in Dallas, TX. This presentation enlightened the audience to this new field of research which paired ancient tradition and practice with the present-day experience and application found in classrooms nationally and globally. She served as a program reviewer and session chair at the 48th Annual College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) Conference in Portland, OR.

WALTER HOLLIDAY Serves as the Director of the Student-Athlete Development Division for the National Association of Academic Advising for Athletics (N4A).

DOROTHY KEMP Co-coordinated and co-orchestrated the Second Annual Tutorial & Learning Professionals’ Conference, entitled XLR8 Driving Student Success in Baton Rouge.

This one-day, “drive-in” professional development opportunity provided attendees with unique opportunities to network with tutor/learning center professionals as well as gain valuable information to support and enhance their student learning techniques and programs. Co-presented Increase Success with a LMS: Utilizing Canvas for Blended Tutor Training at the third Annual Drive-In Conference Geaux For The Gold in Baton Rouge, LA. Participants learned how CCACSA utilizes Canvas’ free and customizable Learning Management System to increase training transfer by creating a blended learning environment in our own tutor training programs. Presented Using Social Cognitive Theory to Help Student-Athletes Peak as Independent Learners at the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) Annual Conference in Portland, OR. This session explored how social cognitive strategies are used in tutoring sessions, how tutors are trained to utilize the techniques, and how Learning Center Managers (of both student-athlete and non-student-athlete focused Learning Centers) can implement social cognitive strategies. Poster accepted at Louisiana Association for Talent Development Transformation, Innovation, Growth: Meeting the Need of Staff to Enhance Student Learning conference in Baton Rouge, LA.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS


OUR TEAM

KENNETH O. MILES Wrote an article for the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) June 2016 magazine publication entitled, One Goal, One Mission,

and One Vision! Serves as the President for the National Association of Academic Advising for Athletics (N4A), facilitated a panel discussion entitled Recommendation for Rookies at the 41st Annual N4A National Conference and presented “The Intersection of Race, Gender, Sport, and Higher Education” at the National Alliance of Two Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) Annual Conference in Dallas, TX. He participated as a panelist at the Second Annual Black Student-Athlete Summit entitled, “Bold Solutions from the Front Line” in Austin, TX. He facilitated a panel discussion entitled, Increasing Graduation Rates from a Director’s Perspective at the 13th Annual Males of Color Retention Conference in Southfield, MI. He served as an Editorial Advisor for Student-Athletes and Social Media (A. Juratovac).

JOHN PARHAM Participated in the National Association of Academic Advising for Athletics’ (N4A) Professional Development Institute New Practitioner Track in Dallas, TX.

JASON SHAW Coordinated the third Annual Drive-In Conference Geaux For The Gold in Baton Rouge, LA. The purpose of this conference was to bring in representatives from area

high schools, community colleges and four-year institutions to share knowledge, to inspire conversations, and to discuss topics related to working with student-athletes.

DEDRICK FORD & ALEXA WEBB Presented “Tiger Athletic Challenge” which utilized the

student-athlete’s spirit of competition to motivate them to achieve academically at XLR8 Driving Student Success, the Second Annual Conference for Tutors and Learning Professionals held at the CCACSA.

JERRICA STEWARD & MARCIEL WHITEHURST Presented “Student-Athletes

With A Gameplan (SWAG)” which is a program designed to assist first year students in acclimation to LSU at XLR8 Driving Student Success, the Second Annual Conference for Tutors and Learning Professionals held at the CCACSA. It is a development curriculum which will focus on the transition to college living and learning while educating students on healthy lifestyle decisions.

ALEX BOULET & MICHAELA STONE Presented “Math Lab” which

provides supplemental instruction in Mathematics to address courses that may have limited face-to-face interaction at XLR8 Driving Student Success, the Second Annual Conference for Tutors and Learning Professionals held at the CCACSA.

JIM EVANS, AMY WERDINE, & ALEXA WEBB Nominated by Professor Kwame Agyemang to present a proposal at the Graduate Case Study Competition on an appropriate way to provide compensation to student-athletes at the College Sport Research Institute (CSRI) Conference in Columbia, SC. The case study competition provides graduate students a “hands on” opportunity to delve into relevant topics.

CAMERON DEAN, COREY HOWARD, JUSTIN MACLIN, & AMY WERDINE Presented “Commitment to Geauxld” which is our tag line of the Shaquille O’Neal

Lifeskills Program at XLR8 Driving Student

ACCOMPLISHMENTS


Success, the Second Annual Conference for Tutors and Learning Professionals held at the CCACSA. This program enhances the total student-athlete development within LSU and beyond. The total student-athlete development components are comprised of personal enhancement, career development, leadership, social engagement and prepared professionalism.

JADE BRYAN, JENNIFER SCHUELKE, ADRIANA MASON, CARLI FAULKNER, KIRSTIN DEFUSCO, & MARISA BLACKLEDGE Co-presented “Study Hall Remix: A Result’s Driven Approach” on how CCACSA has revamped its study hall approach to better support authentic learning at XLR8 Driving Student Success, the Second-Annual Conference for Tutors and Learning Professionals and the third Annual Drive-In Conference Geaux For The Gold in Baton Rouge, LA. Academic Advisors and Learning Specialists shared the collaborative steps necessary to increase student efficacy and

accountability regardless of size or resources. Specifically, presented on prior approaches, coordination of scheduling, student and tutor expectations, feedback loops, sport-specific tracking, data collection, and programmatic results.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTS Presented “It Takes A Village: Coming Together to Help the Student-Athletes Geaux For the Gold” at the Third Annual Drive-In Conference Geaux For The Gold in Baton Rouge, LA. The CCACSA Graduate Assistants play an integral role in providing elite support services to our student-athletes. Each Graduate Assistant brings a different strength and approach to the table, resulting in a well-rounded, holistic, and diverse plan for helping our student-athletes achieve in the classroom and beyond. The purpose of “It Takes A Village: Coming Together to Help the Student-Athletes Geaux For the Gold” is to highlight various techniques, strategies, and methods that are utilized to assist our student athletes.


NEWCOMERS

LYDIA DORSEY Tutorial Coordinator /Learning Specialist

Dorsey will have an integral part in the tutoring program in the department, while also playing a part in the

implementation of specific academic support plans for specific student-athletes.

Dorsey has been a key member of the department in various roles already, as she began working at the CCACSA as a tutor, including specializing in Content, Strategy and the Student-Athlete Summer Academic Success Program, working with student-athletes from the freshman to senior levels with planning and skill building.

In her most recent role, Dorsey had a more involved role in helping oversee the tutoring program in the academic center that catered to more than 500 student-athletes and 120 tutors and graduate assistants. She helped implement training programs for tutors, along with helping spearhead the 2014 CCACSA Tutor Conference and the series 2014 speakers.

With a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and a master’s in art history, Dorsey has also had her hand in the teaching world, serving as a graduate assistant before becoming an instructor in the LSU Department of Art History, while in August of last year serving as a lecturer at Clemson University in Art Appreciation.

These roles will assist Dorsey in her new role within the CCACSA, as she will continue to oversee tutors and will assist in the overall planning, management, and development within the department. On the other side, she will be designing and implementing academic support plans for student-athletes with learning challenges, working with different service centers around campus, along with respective coaches and student athletes.

COURTNEY HOFFMANN Learning Specialist

Hoffmann brings more than ten years of experience in working with student-athletes in various roles throughout her career.

Previously, Hoffmann was a tutorial program coordinator in the athletic department’s Academic Support & Career Development Unit at the University of Maryland. While earning her second master’s degree at Gonzaga, she served as both an intern and a graduate assistant at the school. Hoffmann moved on to be a GA in the department which entailed providing academic support for every team at Gonzaga, overseeing eligibility, compliance and life skills assistance.

At the University of San Diego (USD), Hoffmann earned her bachelor’s degree in political science, graduating with honors, while going on to complete her first master’s degree requirements in international relations. While at USD, she served as a Life Skills Assistant & Tutor. Hoffmann is a member of the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics, The Women’s Leadership Committee and is fluent in French.

BRAD JONES Math Specialist

Jones graduated from LSU with a degree in mathematics, before going on to earn his master’s degree in education at

Mississippi State University. He is currently on track to earn his doctorate from LSU in the spring of 2016.

Before returning to Baton Rouge, Jones served as a teacher for three years at Gainesville High School in Florida, where he held full responsibility for 15 sections of Algebra classes, as well as serving in a similar role at Starkville High School.

Outside of serving as a GA in the tutoring program, Jones participated actively as a tutor himself, helping student-athletes in four different types of mathematics. Before that he was a tutor at the University of Florida for three years, while also tutoring for a year at East Mississippi Community College.

Jones is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators and the American Mathematics Society, while also having a credit for work in the publication ‘Mathematics: A Second Language’.

OUR TEAM


SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS

ADRIANA MASON Associate Director

A veteran in the field of academic services in a collegiate setting for nearly 15 years, Mason has worked

extensively with various intercollegiate sports throughout her career, holding a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and a master’s from Temple.

Since 2003 before joining LSU, Mason was an associate director at the Loyola Student-Athlete Support Service Office. Mason worked for one year for the UNC Charlotte Athletic Academic Center as an academic advisor and tutor coordinator.

While working on her master’s degree at Temple, Mason was involved in various roles throughout her time on the graduate level, first serving as an academic support specialist, then as an assistant to the director of football operations and recruiting coordinator and academic coordinator for student-athletes.

JOHN PARHAM Academic Advisor

Parham, who holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisville and master’s degree from Eastern

Kentucky University, is a member of the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics and has held various roles within athletics throughout his career. Before receiving his degree from Louisville, Parham worked with the Louisville Lightning indoor soccer team, performing all game day operations while working in the front office, coordinating team and player sponsorship contracts, season ticket sales and a marketing plan during their first season.

For more than three years Parham was a member of the University of Kentucky Center for Academic & Tutorial Services as an Academic Service Assistant. After receiving his master’s degree at EKU, Parham served as an adjunct professor in the department’s exercise and sport science wing.

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• Addition of a Media Training Studio • Renovated Tutorial Center • Creation of the Student Learning Center • Permanent Art Installation • Computer Upgrades • Addition of a Fueling Center • Incorporating Smart Boards • Graphic Installations • iPad Loaner Program • Incorporating Learning Management Systems • Addition of a Math Lab • Creation of a Conference Room • Additional Computers Added

In an effort to remain the premier provider of student-athlete support services, it is imperative to assess and evaluate our services, facilities, and technology. In 2015-2016 the Academic Affairs team changed its direction to focus on small group mentorship/tutoring, team specific study hall sessions, and objective based study hall. The change prompted us to evaluate the physical space and make changes that align to our new focus. Consequently, additional computers and desks were added to accommodate the group sessions.

The physical structure of our facility is incorporated into the recruitment and retention process by highlighting other values that we deem necessary to garner the full Tiger Experience. Service, Education, Diversity, Teamwork, Accountability, Integrity, and

Commitment are illuminated throughout the facility in the literal sense and through images that capture the essence of those values. They serve a twofold purpose for those who work here to remind them of what we should be about in our daily interactions and to remind the student-athletes of what they should be about on a daily basis. The repetition of the values signify its importance to the growth and development to all associated with the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes. It is from there where we take ownership of our motto, Enter To Learn, Leave To Serve.

The preparation towards success is a choice that we, collectively, strive to attain, therefore it is important to highlight and celebrate all of our achievements. The installations of the Cox Communications Academic Center Honor Rolls affirms the academic richness. In 2015-2016 we installed a new marquee for our “Earn Your Stripes” program. Located on the landings of our two main staircases, the new display demonstrates the commitment to personal development, career development, and community engagement by year.

The Academic Hall of Fame and Hall of Champions have been updated and installed with new tiles that are easier to read. The LSU School of Art and Design has partnered with

the CCACSA to expand on the current art exhibit, “Thirty Years of LSU Printmaking,” by adding additional art pieces to our main computer lab and the Tutorial Center.

To promote the CCACSA brand, we have partnered with Kyros to provide a world class virtual tour. Using Google’s StreetView technology, visitors to www.acsa.lsu.edu can walk through our building seeing our facility in high definition. We are one of the very first academic centers for student-athletes to use this technology, and we, within the Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes pride ourselves on being the leader in transformative education by leveraging education through technology. Google Certified Corporate Outreach Agent Erryca Robicheaux stated, “As an LSU alumna who attended classes in the center, it was especially exciting to work on this project. The passion that Kenneth and his entire team have for ensuring the overall success of every LSU student-athlete is evident, and their innovative and forward thinking is a huge part of that,” Robicheaux said. “The student-athletes at LSU are lucky to have a team of people and a University willing to invest in new technology to contribute to their success both on the field and in the classroom. We are excited to continue to work with LSU in both their athletics and academic facilities.”

FACILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY

The Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes (CCACSA) was once the Gym Armory, built in 1925. The Tiger Athletic Foundation renovated the Gym Armory and opened its doors as CCACSA in 2002. The center is 54,000 square feet. Since 2008, there have been several upgrades to the facility in order to enhance the learning experience of our student-athletes. Some are listed below:

OUR TEAM

COX COMMUNICATIONS ACADEMIC CENTER FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES 28COX COMMUNICATIONS ACADEMIC CENTER FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES 28

100 Gym Armory Baton Rouge, LA 70803

(P) 225.578.5787 (F) 225.578.5790

acsa.lsu.edu