COMMERCE – Facing challenges unique to the COVID-19 pandemic and the interruption of in-person learning, Texas A&M University-Commerce student-athletes had the best term on record in the classroom in the Spring 2020 semester, posting fantastic grades throughout all sport programs.
 
As a whole, the athletics department posted a grade point average of 3.33 for the spring semester, which is a new record. Also, all 14 of the Lions' sport programs have grade point averages of 3.0 or better for the first time on record.
 
"As the Chief Academic Officer of A&M-Commerce, I am always thrilled to see the outstanding academic achievements of our student-athletes.  We use the term student-athlete at our university intentionally, as our athletes are students first, as evidenced by the incredible work being done in the Thrower Center for Student-Athlete Success," said Provost Dr. John Humphreys. "We truly are blessed to have great student-athletes, dedicated faculty and staff, committed student success professionals, and extraordinary collaboration with every division on campus."

With support from faculty, academic advisors, and the staff in the Thrower Center for Student-Athlete Success, each team had over a 3.0 grade point average for the first time on record.
 
"There are so many people to acknowledge for this tremendous accomplishment.  It was a uniquely challenging semester – with most of our student-athletes having to complete work online," said director of athletics Tim McMurray.  "The dedication of our student-athletes – combined with support of our coaches, our Thrower Center team, and our academic partners on campus – made this achievement a reality.  We are certainly blessed and humbling to celebrate this unprecedented accomplishment.  
 

Sport	Team GPA
Women's Golf	3.92
Soccer	3.75
Volleyball	3.62
Softball	3.60
Women's Basketball	3.39
Men's Golf	3.38
Women's Track & Field/Cross Country	3.34
Football	3.15
Men's Track & Field/Cross Country	3.07
Men's Basketball	3.02

 
"I am extremely proud of our student-athletes' Best in Class efforts in the classroom this semester. Although our student-athletes were struck with adversity this semester, they met the challenge and exceed all expectations," said Victoria Kisluk, associate director of athletics for student-athlete success. "The support from our Provost, Division of Academic Affairs, faculty, academic advisors, department heads and deans did not go unnoticed this semester and is a true testament to the Best In Class Experience we provide for our student-athletes. We are thankful for their involvement in the lives of our student-athletes."
 
In terms of individual academic accolades, 42 Lion student-athletes were named to the Texas A&M University-Commerce President's List and 60 student athletes were named to the Dean's List.
 
A total of 57 student-athletes were named to the Best In Class Honor Roll, which represents a perfect 4.0 term grade point average. Additionally, 74 Lions were named to the Athletics Director's List for a term grade point average between 3.50 and 3.99, and 103 student-athletes were named to the Lion Honor Roll for a term grade point average between 3.00 and 3.49. In May, Lion Athletics celebrated 50 graduates who graduated in the spring semester and would have walked at the Spring 2020 commencement.