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For the 14th consecutive year, Rollins has earned the NCAA President’s Award for Academic Excellence, which recognizes the College among the nation’s top schools for blending athletic and academic excellence.

The NCAA recognizes Division II members schools earning an academic success rate of 90 percent or higher, and Rollins is one of just 44 schools to receive the distinction this year.

The academic success rate (ASR) equates to the percentage of student-athletes who graduate within six years of initial collegiate enrollment. For 2024, Rollins student-athletes achieved a 96 percent success rate, landing in the top spot in the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) and fifth highest in the nation.

“It takes a village to support student-athletes and create the balanced environment for them to thrive academically and athletically,” says Jason Jones, associate athletics director for compliance at Catawba and chair of the Division II Academic Requirements Committee. “This prestigious honor recognizes 44 schools that have achieved academic excellence, and I'm thrilled to congratulate them.”

The Tars join Florida Southern College, Barry University, Florida Institute of Technology, Eckerd College, and Lynn University as the only schools from the SSC to earn the Presidents’ Award.

“The best thing about being a student-athlete at Rollins is the support from professors,” says business management major Caroline Gastonguay ’22 ’24MBA, who recently set the all-time goals record for women’s lacrosse and now works at Cintas as a management trainee. “They are willing to work with you so that you can excel in the classroom and on the field. After graduation, my athletic background proved to be a game-changer, and the Crummer Graduate School of Business program offered endless career opportunities through company presentations and invaluable connections with top employers.”

According to the NCAA, Division II student-athletes continue to outperform their peers and graduate at a higher rate than the general student body. Since the organization started recognizing institutions with high ASRs in 2010, Rollins has consistently made the list, becoming one of only seven schools to earn the award every year.

“This award is a testament to the hard work of our student-athletes who put in as much time and effort in the classroom as the playing field,” says Pennie Parker, associate vice president of athletics. “I’m also so proud of our coaches and support staff who help maintain the proper balance of training and academics, ensuring a positive experience for all who suit up for the Tars.”

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