Courtesy of Bethune-Cookman Athletic Communications


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Maintaining a high standard of academic achievement in the most challenging of scenarios, Bethune-Cookman student-athletes compiled a 3.26 grade point average (GPA) during the Fall 2020 semester, Senior Associate Athletics Director/Student Athlete Services Reginald L. Thomas announced.

Of 237 student-athletes, 108 posted a 3.0 GPA during the semester with 38 registering a 4.0.

To successfully complete the term, student-athletes needed to  adapt to an online learning environment and adjust to curriculum changes while also dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on their personal lives.

"The last two academic semesters both spring 2020 and fall 2020 will forever be remembered as a time of uncertainty, transition, challenges and adaptation," Thomas said. "Personally, I will remember the last two academic semesters as a time when student-athletes displayed unparalleled persistence in the face of unforeseen adversity." 

Thomas and his staff devised innovative academic support initiatives including Virtual Tutorial Support and Study Hall programs, to keep the student-athletes engaged. 

"Our student-athletes showed resilience and fortitude in the middle of a global pandemic. They remained committed to academic success and performed exceptionally well," Dr. Ryan Griffin, Assistant AD for Student-Athlete Services, said. "I commend them for their ability to adapt to the various changes that COVID-19 forced upon us all. We hope to build upon their academic success as we move into a new semester."

Nine teams posted a total GPA of 3.0 or higher, led by women's volleyball with a 3.61.

"Although we faced many ups and downs this semester due to COVID and the cancelation of our season, our players did not let that deter them from their goals in the classroom," head volleyball coach Brittany Williams said. "We regrouped and put our focus into tackling the semester academically and I couldn't be prouder of the outcome."