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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Happy Halloween from the ADSA

The ADSA would like to wish everyone a wonderful and safe Halloween! Every year, we participate in the Spooktacular S.P.I.R.I.T costume contest held by SMU Athletics. This year our selected theme was Space Jam! All your favorite Looney Tunes characters attended– even Gossamer made an appearance!

Happy Halloween!

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

September Mustang Champions

Our 4 Mustang Champions for September highlight two upperclassmen and two freshman that embody the SMU Student-athlete experience and strive to be World Changers.

Mayu Inokawa

Mayu is a midfielder on our Women’s Soccer team and is no stranger to adversity. Originally from Japan, her journey as an SMU transfer student-athlete started with her acclimating to the Hilltop after spending time in the Midwest. Now as a senior, she has dealt with adversity this Fall soccer season but has not let it bring her down; she still persists through every day with a positive attitude and smile on her face. She has been just as supportive of her teammates during this season. She is extremely dedicated and hardworking student who takes advantages of the resources and opportunities provided in the ADSA and LAB events.  She is a role model to all student-athletes, but especially her teammates!

 Brandon Booker 

Brandon, a freshman linebacker, has had a strong start to his academic pursuits at SMU! He has come into his first semester as natural leader. No only does he consistently show up early but he also encourages his teammates to always put their best academic foot forward. ADSA appreciates that he advocated for himself during his first semester regarding his academic goals, needs, and desires. We are excited to see his growth continue! 

Sage Sungail

Sage is a junior on the Men’s Swimming and Diving team. He specializes in the freestyle and holds the conference record in 2024 for the 400 Free relay.  Katie Evans, his ADSA academic counselor, had this to say about Sage, I’m incredibly proud of him for his dedication to both academics and athletics. As a Finance major, he’s challenging himself with a rigorous course load while also excelling on the swim team. His hard work in the classroom and in the pool is a testament to his commitment and drive. It’s inspiring to see him excel in both areas, and I’m excited to watch him continue to succeed.”  

Emma Mehner

Meet Emma Mehner! She is a freshman rower who joined the Hilltop from Dresden, Germany in Fall 2024! She joined SMU to become a better coxswain, a type of rowing positon in which sits at the stern and steers the boat (learn more about coxswain here). Emma is already making strides towards success during her first semester. She started getting involved with the Life After Ball program, in her first few weeks here and has enjoyed the possibilities/opportunities it can provide. She plans on majoring in Business Management or Sports Management. It is great to see Emma’s dedication to her academic and personal development! 

It’s easy to see why our Mustangs shine so bright when we have these four student-athletes leading the charge!

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

Keyana Smith Promoted to Director of ADSA & Eligibility

Dr. Teiana Jones, Senior Director of ADSA and Assistant Athletic Director of Academics, has promoted Keyana Smith, M.S., to Director of ADSA & Eligibility in October 2024. Smith joined the Hilltop in August 2023 as the Associate Director and lead Academic Counselor of Football. Since then, she has positively impacted the student-athletes and individuals she works closely with.  

 Keyana’s background has prepared her for this new role with 16 years of experience in academics; as she previously held titles such as the Assistant Director of Athletics Academic Services at the University of Mississippi. While there, she was responsible for the academic success of the Women’s Basketball and Football teams. She has a proven track record of providing individualized support and guidance to student-athletes, helping them balance their athletic commitments with their academic goals. 

 As a member of the ADSA leadership team, she is excited to further the ADSA’s mission in her elevated position. Keyana will continue to lead and supervise the academic support for Football as well as provide operational and key support in the unit. 

 Smith states “one focus will be improving processes to more efficiently serve our student-athletes. I am excited to further grow our campus partnerships and see continued success with increasing Academic Progress Rates (APR), Graduation Success Rate (GSR), and overall student-athlete success at SMU”. 

Join us in congratulating Keyana on this significant milestone in her career!  

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Supporting Student-Athletes: ADSA Academic Feedback Requests Begin!

The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) program is committed to working with faculty to ensure student-athlete success at our university. Twice each semester, ADSA solicits feedback from instructors to align with key academic milestones like Early Progress Reports (EPRs), Mid-Term Progress Reports (MPRs), and the final withdrawal deadline.

What to Expect:

  • First Round: A small population of student-athletes is included on the current feedback request that was send on September 30th.
  • Second Round: All student-athletes will be included in the feedback request sent on November 4th.
  • Receiving Feedback Requests: Faculty with current student-athletes in their classes will receive requests directly from ADSA@smu.edu.

Collaboration for Student Success:

ADSA aims to provide early intervention and support for student-athletes facing academic challenges through this collaborative process. ADSA reports to Associate Provost Dr. Sheri Kunovich. Based on your feedback, you may also be contacted by a sport-specific ADSA counselor to discuss potential support options.

Thank you to our dedicated faculty for your continued partnership in supporting student-athlete success!

https://www.smu.edu/provost/saes/academic-support/student-athletes/about/contact

 

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Honors and Scholars Office of Engaged Learning Office of Engaged Learning - Entrepreneurship Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs Student Success & Retention University Advising Center

The Rose Bowl Game Keith Jackson Postgraduate Scholarship

An exciting scholarship opportunity from the Rose Bowl for all undergraduate students attending ACC schools. Introducing The Rose Bowl Game Keith Jackson Postgraduate Scholarship!

This scholarship provides a $10k scholarship toward a postgraduate degree to one undergraduate student from a FBS school. The scholarship also includes a Rose Bowl Game experience. This year’s scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are in their final year of course study (with an intended graduation date on or before June 2025). The application and additional information on the qualifying criteria can be found online at www.rosebowlgame.com/scholarship/. The application period closes on October 25, 2024. 

Eligibility Requirements:  

  • Students from universities that are a part of the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) are eligible for the scholarship. These students must be in their final year of course study and have consistently demonstrated exceptional achievement in academics and civic service throughout their collegiate career. Specifically, a nominee must: 
  • Honorably represent an institution that is eligible to play in the 2025 CFP Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game, exhibiting excellence in academics and civic service while displaying strong character and leadership skills. 
  • Plan to enroll in graduate or professional school within eighteen (18) months of graduation. 
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of the application. 
  • Express an interest to pursue a career in the sports industry, specific to journalism, media relations, event operations, team operations, or marketing. 
  • Have an expected graduation from an undergraduate program in December 2024 or will graduate by June of 2025.

Any questions? Email the Selection Committee – Keith Jackson Postgraduate Scholarship scholarship@rosebowlgame.org. 

 

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

August Mustang Champions: Academic and Athletic Excellence

SMU is proud to highlight four outstanding student-athletes who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to both their academics and their respective athletic sports. These individuals have not only excelled on the field but have also maintained high standards in the classroom, proving that it is possible to be a well-rounded student and role models for other athletes.  

Kelvontay “Moochie” Dixon (Football):  

Kelvontay “Moochie” Dixon, a senior wide receiver on the Football team, has shown remarkable growth in both his academic and athletic pursuits. His commitment to excellence is evident in his consistent efforts to excel in his coursework, even during the summer months. Moochie’s dedication to his studies, combined with his impressive athletic abilities, makes him a true role model for his peers. 

Avery Bethel (Rowing):  

Avery Bethel, a high-credit senior transfer, has seamlessly transitioned into SMU’s rigorous academic environment. Despite the demanding schedule of a rowing athlete, Avery has managed to maintain a strong academic standing by taking 11 credit hours this summer. Her ability to balance her athletic commitments with her academic pursuits is a testament to her exceptional time management skills and dedication. 

Brooke Frazier (Volleyball):  

Brooke Frazier, is a senior Libero from Woodlands, TX, is another shining example of academic and athletic excellence. Having transferred to SMU from Texas A&M, Brooke has excelled in both her volleyball career and her studies in sports management. Her commitment to her academic goals, combined with her impressive athletic skills, positions her for a successful future. 

Chris Deamon (Men’s Soccer):  

Chris Deamon, a sophomore on the Men’s soccer team, has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic both on and off the field. His dedication to his academics, combined with his relentless pursuit of athletic excellence, has made him a valuable asset to the SMU Men’s soccer program. Chris’s ability to juggle his academic responsibilities with his athletic commitments is a testament to his organizational skills and determination. 

These four student-athletes exemplify the spirit of SMU, where academic achievement and athletic success go hand-in-hand. Be sure to catch these athletes in action this fall, check the athletic schedule here: https://smumustangs.com/calendar 

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Thank you Dr. Cobb!

The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) would like to thank Dr. Emily Cobb, a valued member of the SMU community for the past 12+ years, and wish her well as she transitions to a position at a different institution. In her new role, Emily will oversee the writing center, tutoring, and supplemental instruction for the undergraduate students at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in the Center for Academic Achievement (CAA).

Emily’s passion and commitment to SMU as well as the success of her student-athletes, has been evident in her involvement on campus and the countless lives she’s touched during her time on the Hilltop. In 2012, Emily started at SMU as an Academic Counselor for the office of Student-Athlete Academic Services (SAAS). She transitioned to Senior Academic Counselor and then to Director of SAAS. In 2020, Emily earned her Doctorate in Higher Education from SMU and dedicated her research to understanding how collegiate women student-athletes define and achieve academic success. Her dissertation titled “Conceptualization and Strategies of Academic Success Utilized by Collegiate Women Student-Athletes,” reflects her deep passion for academics and athletics.

During her tenure at SMU, Emily was been involved with many different committees, organizations, sports, and departments. Emily was also instrumental in merging ADSA and SAAS in 2021. Emily’s absence will be felt throughout campus considering the many lives she touched during her time on the Hilltop. She was and will continue to be a mentor to many, a friend to all, and a SMU fan through and through.

Emily, you will be missed and we wish you the best in your new role!

Categories
Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Empowering Student-Athletes Through Literacy and Beyond 

Empowering Student-Athletes Through Literacy and Beyond 

Our team of 3 highly skilled reading and writing interventionists works collaboratively with our staff to enhance the academic success of our athletes, specifically in the areas of reading and writing.  

Focus Areas: 

  • Reading: Our reading interventionists employ evidence-based strategies to improve reading comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary development. Through individualized instruction and targeted support, we help our student-athletes become confident and proficient readers. 
  • Writing: Our writing interventionists focus on developing strong writing skills, including grammar, mechanics, and organization. By providing guidance and feedback, we empower our athletes to communicate effectively through written expression. 
  • Quantitative Skills: Recognizing the importance of numeracy in academic success, our interventionists offer support in developing quantitative skills. This includes building a strong foundation in math concepts and problem-solving strategies. 
  • Executive Functioning Skills: We understand the critical role of executive functioning skills in academic performance. Our interventionists work with student-athletes to enhance their time management, organization, and study skills. 

Introducing Lexi Williams & Stan Kellen 

 Lexi and Stan join Samantha LoCoco, to round out our team of Academic Interventionists. Lexi Williams joins us from Georgia Tech where she previously worked as an Academic Advisor working with Women’s Basketball, Softball and Women’s Tennis. Prior to that, she completed a post-graduate internship at Florida State University.  Lexi received her B.S. in Sport Marketing from Grace College while also serving as a member on the Track and Field team. She completed her M.S. in Sport Management at Liberty University. She is a native of Roanoke, Virginia. She enjoys attending sporting events and going to coffee shops in her spare time. 

Stan Kellen joined the SMU staff as a Literacy Specialist in August of 2024. Prior to working at SMU, Stan spent two years at the University of South Carolina serving as a Learning Specialist. Before South Carolina, he spent three years at Texas A&M University working part-time as an Intern, Mentor, and Assistant Learning Specialist.  

A native of College Station, TX, Stan received his B.S. and M.S. in Sport Management from Texas A&M University. Stan enjoys being outdoors, concerts, video games, and attending sporting events. 

Welcome to the Hilltop! 

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Our Mustang Champions Shine Bright This Summer!

While most students were soaking up the sun this summer, our dedicated SMU student-athletes were hard at work, balancing academics with athletic pursuits. Their unwavering commitment to excellence is truly inspiring. 

We’re thrilled to highlight the extraordinary achievements of four exceptional individuals who have made significant strides this summer.  

Fashion Forward and Focused: Jaclynn Fowler 

Jaclynn Fowler, a rising star in our fashion media program from California, has consistently impressed us with her talent and vision. Her ability to blend creativity with a deep understanding of industry trends is truly inspiring. In the past academic year, she has found her fashion courses have only strengthen her passion for fashion media. Jaclynn’s athletic achievements from 2024 include: all-conference honors in team diving and the 3-meter. She is expected to graduate in Spring 2025. 

Balancing Act Extraordinaire: Jaelyn “Smoke” Davis-Robinson 

Juggling rigorous football camp and two summer language classes and a dance class; is no easy feat, but Jaelyn “Smoke” Davis-Robinson has done it with style and grace. His dedication to both academics and athletics is a testament to his humble, hardworking character. He was in the ADSA study hall everyday this summer, ensuring that he was able to get his Spanish homework completed before his football commitment.  

Overcoming Challenges with Strength: Sandra Magolico 

Sandra Magolico, a senior forward from Arizona State, has faced her fair share of challenges as an international student this summer. Despite these setbacks, she has persevered and excelled in her three summer classes. Her determination and commitment to her education are truly admirable. 

Leading the Way: Chance Johnson 

Born in Mustang, Oklahoma, Chance was fated to be a Mustang. As a junior goalkeeper, he leads his teammates on and off the field. He has been vocal about his involvement in the BSAC social, and has been instrumental in fostering a positive team culture. Chance is majoring in a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Financial Applications and a minor in Sports Management. He is on track to graduate in Fall 2025. 

These students are shining examples of what it means to be a Mustang. Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance inspire us all. We’re excited to see what they will accomplish in the upcoming academic year! 

Let’s congratulate these amazing students in the comments below! 

 

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Academic Devleopment of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

Cheering on our June Mustang Champions

Another exciting month of celebrating our Mustang Champions! This month we are highlighting four Mustangs who continue to work hard in the summer months while preparing for the upcoming 2024-2025 competition season and academic year. We are happy to highlight the student-athletes that embody the S.P.I.R.I.T of what it takes to be successful on and off the field.

Chance Puryear (MBB)

  • Chance is a Freshman Forward from Dallas. He is a three-star signee who is ranked as high as No. 12 overall in Texas and 34th nationally at his position.  During his first semester on the Hilltop, he is a highly motivated and responsible college student. He possesses valuable knowledge and is committed to long-term goals. Through hard work and discipline, he is confident in achieving success as a Mustang!

Romello (Mello) Brinson (FB)

  • Mello is a Junior from Miami, Florida that has dedicated himself to his academic performance this summer and is making huge strides! We are so proud of his commitment to the team and his academics. He is leading by example and continues to have a positive influence on his teammates.

TK Pitts (WBB)

  • TK continues to be a leader both on and off the court. She supports her teammates, encouraging them to push harder and believe in themselves by creating a welcoming and connected environment. Her presence on BSAAC is another way she leads off the court. Her BSAAC involvement gives her the opportunity to spread her good influence even further!

Aubrey Brown (WSOC)

  • Aubrey Brown is a Dallas native, coming from Irving, Texas. She plans on majoring in Political Science and Data science during her time as a Mustang. Aubrey is an excellent student and an excellent teammate. Her attendance and participation in class are consistent and insightful, always asking great questions. Aubrey is an engaged student and a dedicated player, representing the best of SMU at every step.  She is active on campus, besides being a valued member of our soccer team, she is a pre-law scholar, member of the Association of Black Students, and BSAAC.