Athletics Receives Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence for 13th Consecutive Year

Rockhurst University has received the NCAA Presidents' Award for Academic Excellence for achieving four-year Academic Success Rates of 90 percent or higher for the 13th consecutive year.

Forty-four Division II member schools are recipients of the Presidents' Award for Academic Excellence. Rockhurst is one of eight schools to have earned the recognition every year since the award was started in 2011.

Rockhurst finished with a 94 percent ASR in 2022-23, which ranks in a tie for ninth among NCAA Division II institutions. Rockhurst led the Great Lakes Valley Conference and all Division II schools in Missouri and Kansas.

Bentley University and Saint Michael's College were the top performers, earning an ASR of 99 percent. Biola University, D'Youville University, Hillsdale College and Thomas Jefferson University rounded out the top six, each earning an ASR of 98 percent.

"I am grateful to the coaches who recruit and invest in top-notch student-athletes," said RU Director of Athletics Kristy Bayer. "I am appreciative of the amazing faculty who truly care about the academic growth and path to graduation for our student-athletes. A big thank you to our athletic and university staff for helping our student-athletes along in their academic and athletic journey. And, of course, the highest gratitude to our hardworking and future-focused student-athletes who prioritize their coursework.

"Collectively, as a unit, we have set a high standard of sustained academic success, all while preparing students for their professional future."

Of the 14 men's and women's athletic programs measured at Rockhurst University for the report, seven posted an academic success rate of 100 percent, and the ASR in every program was measured at 83 percent and above.

For more information on Rockhurst University Athletics, visit rockhursthawks.com.