Northern Kentucky University student-athletes combined to post a 3.47 GPA in the fall 2018 semester, establishing yet another department record by slightly edging spring 2018’s cumulative 3.46. It is the 15th-straight semester that NKU student-athletes have had at least a 3.0 GPA, ninth-straight semester that they have posted at least a 3.2 and third-straight above a 3.3.
“Our student-athletes continue to impress in the classroom,” said Debbie Kirch, associate athletics director for compliance and student-services/senior women’s administrator.
“They are driven to succeed in all areas. The athletic department as a whole is committed to academic excellence, and our coaches continue to recruit outstanding student-athletes. Our academic advisors, Zach Barge, Kelsey Dunaway, and A.J. Dingledine, also contribute to our student-athletes’ success through their hard work and dedication to providing support.”
“I’m extremely proud of our student-athletes for achieving at the highest level academically,” said Ken Bothof, NKU director of athletics. “Our coaches embrace our core value of academic success, and they remain committed to recruiting and developing high-achieving student-athletes.”
The men’s tennis team led the department with a 3.74 GPA. Three programs either tied or set new team GPA benchmarks, baseball with a 3.41, women’s basketball with a 3.66 and women’s soccer with an impressive 3.67.
Thirty-five (35) student-athletes achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA this semester, while 59 percent of student-athletes posted at least a 3.5 GPA.
At the fall commencement ceremony, 10 student-athletes received their diplomas. Below is a list of the graduates.
Softball
Ashley Rains – Accounting and Finance
Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field
Keith Prive – Biological Sciences
Men’s Soccer
Jim Barkei – Finance
Bastian Beckers – Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field
Kaylia Carper – Psychology and Criminal Justice
Shay LaFollette – Elementary Education
Women’s Soccer
Rachel Conaway – Biological Sciences
Jessica Frey – Nursing
Men’s Golf
Jacob Jackson – Business
Men’s Basketball
Nick Ayers – Education