Inside Norse Athletics: Rising to the Academic Challenge

What does it take for an athletic department to rack up 18-straight semesters where its student-athletes have recorded at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA? How about the efforts required for a stretch of six years at or above a 3.2? Or, even better yet, how do the student-athletes go three-consecutive years registering nothing shy of 3.37 in any semester?

It begins with the recruitment of committed student-athletes, which can be attributed to the emphasis coaches place on the combination of both athletic and academic talent. It requires commitment from the student-athletes to excel in all aspects of their lives. And, once on campus, it includes the assistance of the Athletics Academic Services area which provides support in a multitude of ways.

At Northern Kentucky University, its student-athletes have reached the previously noted benchmarks of academic success, which is due in part to the efforts of the Athletics Academic Services area.

“Student-athlete well-being is at the forefront of all we do in the athletic department at Northern Kentucky,” said Ken Bothof, director of athletics. “It’s been one of our core values for the last five-plus years and has guided a lot of our decision making, which includes an added emphasis on supporting our Norse in their academic endeavors and career pursuits. Our athletics academic advisors are an incredible asset in providing that support.”

Following the move to NCAA Division I, NKU’s Athletics Academic Services staff expanded to two full-time advisors and a graduate assistant to bolster support for Norse student-athletes, with assistance beginning during the initial transition to college as a freshman and culminating at graduation as they prepare for either their career or graduate school.

The myriad services offered encompass guiding student-athletes with course scheduling, time management skills, study halls and tutoring services, including both group and individual sessions. Athletics Academic Services further supports its student-athletes through monitoring, tutoring, and initial and continuing eligibility, all of which assist the student-athletes in making timely and satisfactory progress toward their degree. From internal recognition with the scholar-athlete of the month award to assisting with external nominations for honors to writing letters of recommendation, Northern Kentucky’s athletics academic advisors are also instrumental in recognizing the student-athletes for their success

The efforts of the athletics academic advisors have helped produce the astounding team results listed above. But, individual success has also been a product. Will Hauter (baseball ’19) and Rikard Lindqvist (men’s soccer ’20) were both two-time CoSIDA Academic All-Americans for NKU, while Clare Field (women’s cross country/track & field ’15) and BriAuna Keys (women’s cross country/track & field ’19) both earned the award once. Those four individuals serve as the highlights for a long list of individual academic honors that are too numerous for this article.

“Not only have our coaches recruited high-caliber student-athletes who excel academically and value their education, but our athletics academic advisors have been steadfast in putting our student-athletes’ success at the forefront as well,” said Debbie Kirch, senior associate athletic director for compliance and student services/SWA. “We are constantly looking for ways to provide additional support to our student-athletes so they are prepared to pursue satisfying careers and fulfilling lives as contributing members of their communities.”

In an effort to bolster education and experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom and academic growth, athletics academic services has partnered with the Go Norse Fund Board to host training sessions on building resumes and conducting interviews, as well as creating a mentorship program to partner Norse student-athletes with leaders throughout the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region. Assistance from the athletics academic advisors also includes aiding in the transition to life after college whether it’s preparing for their career or applying for graduate school.

Northern Kentucky University’s Department of Athletics has embraced the challenge of elevating its standards both athletically and academically throughout its storied history. Keeping with this long-standing tradition, all Norse - past, present and future - continue to rise to the challenge.