Sept. 30, 2002

Truman Athletics Program Graduation Rates Among The Best in NCAA Division II

The Truman State University athletics program was recently recognized by the NCAA and in USA Today for its academic achievements, more specifically for the Bulldogs' overall 1995 freshmen student-athlete graduation rate. Truman's 83% graduation rate of its freshman that began in 1995 ranks tied for 11th among NCAA Division II institutions. The overall Truman student body graduation rate since 1995 is 64%.

The NCAA conducts graduation rate surveys for Divisions I and II, but not Division II or Ivy League schools which do not provide scholarships for student-athletes.

The University of Hawaii-Hilo, St. Michaels (Vt.), Assumption (Mass.) and Stonehill (Mass.) topped the Division II list with 100% graduation rates.

Merrimack (Mass.) came in at 96%, while St. Thomas Aquinas (N.Y.) graduated 90% and Holy Family (Pa.), LeMoyne-Owen (Tenn.) and Goldey-Beacom (Del.) posted an 89% graduation rate. Chaminade (Hawaii) graduated 88% and Truman tied with Westminster (Pa.) and Pittsburgh-Johnstown at 83%.

Truman graduated 85% of its male and 79% of its female student-athletes that entered the program in 1995. During the last six years, the Bulldog women's basketball and cross country teams graduated 100% of their student-athletes and the football team graduated 95%.

"Were very proud of what our student-athletes have been able to accomplish in the classroom," athletics director Jerry Wollmering said. "This is a great example of the hard work and dedication by our teams and coaches. We feel privileged to be able to contribute to the University's mission of academic excellence."