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Nicholls State University is one of eleven universities receiving a $100,000 grant from the NCAA as part of its Accelerating Academic Success Program to support Nicholls student-athletes’ academic experience. As part of the award, the school will provide $20,000 in match funding, which brings the total to $120,000.
This is the third year Nicholls will receive this grant, bringing the total amount to $360,000 dedicated towards the university’s Deanna Hickman Falcon Academic Success Center for student-athletes in the Ellender Memorial Library. This grant funding provides critical academic support services and resources to our student-athletes.
“We are very thankful to the NCAA for supporting Nicholls State University Athletics and our student-athletes. The creation of the Deanna Hickman Falcon Academic Success Center has elevated the level of support that we can give our student-athletes. We want to offer the best student-athlete experience possible to help them develop holistically, not only as a Division I student-athlete, but as a community member and individual. We are excited for the future of the space and to continue to support our student-athletes in the best ways possible,” said Jennifer Schulte, Nicholls director of Athletics Academic Services and senior woman administrator
The initial funding created a dedicated space for student-athletes to study, receive tutoring and meet with academic staff. Continued funding allowed the Athletic Department to focus on the holistic development of student-athletes through strategic programming that focused on academic, career, emotional and social development. Within the space and at no cost, student-athletes have access to computers, laptops, calculators, school supplies, a lounge area and dedicated nutrition bar.
This year’s funding will double the size of the current space to create a distraction-free environment with individual study rooms. In addition, it will expand technological resources and enable Athletics to offer student-athletes free psychoeducational testing in partnership with the Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders located on the Nicholls campus.
Established in 2012, the AASP assists Division I schools as they work to meet the NCAA’s academic standards. Over $1 million in AASP grants are awarded annually to colleges and universities with limited resources to support the academic success of student-athletes and increase graduation rates. The grants are designed to assist with recipients’ commitment to evolve student-athlete services and enhance the student-athlete experience.
The grants support school efforts to meet the requirements of the Division I Academic Performance Program, which ensures that student-athletes have access to an environment that promotes academic success. Funding may be used in a variety of ways, including academic facility enhancements, technology upgrades, professional development programming for staff, tutoring resources and student-athlete career development opportunities.
Nicholls Athletics relies on the generous support of donors to support each of its 17 Division 1 sports teams, cheer squad, athletic trainers and 350+ student athletes. Every donor makes a difference and each gift, regardless of size, has a direct impact on all student-athletes here at Nicholls.
The Colonel Athletic Association is the principal fundraising organization of the Nicholls State University Athletics Department, providing a way for alumni, family, friends and fans to help Nicholls student-athletes receive an education while also pursuing their athletic careers. The association’s primary focus is to provide opportunities and support for Nicholls Athletics’ most important assets, its people, and to raise funds for facility enhancements and operational expenses.
For more information, visit GeauxColonels.com.
