Tag: ADSA

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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Professional Advising Student Academic Engagement & Success Student Academic Success Programs

Welcome John Easton

Headshot of John Easton
John Easton

Please join us in welcoming John Easton to the Student Academic Engagement and Success (SAES) team! John has joined as the inaugural assistant provost for Student Academic Engagement and Success. In this role, he will lead cross-campus collaborations to improve undergraduate academic success for first-year and transfer students, support the launch of professional advising at SMU, develop additional opportunities for summer academic bridge and academic recovery courses and provide operational oversight of Academic Development of Student Athletics (ADSA).

John is bringing with him nearly 25 years of experience at SMU. He currently serves as associate chair, chief undergraduate advisor and program director of the Master of Science in environmental engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Lyle School of Engineering. Additionally, he is a clinical professor, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Environmental Engineering. John received his Ph.D. in environmental health engineering, along with an M.S. in civil engineering, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He holds a B.A. in biology from the University of Kansas.

In his new role, John says he is looking forward to “working with all of the great people! The SAES team, administration, faculty colleagues, and (of course) students and student-athletes! Student engagement and success is “my jam,” and I’m thrilled to be working to support those programs and projects.” Of the students, he mentioned that “it’s a privilege to work alongside such driven, smart, and dedicated young people. They’re going out to change the world!”

John is super engaged at SMU along with his family. His wife also teaches in the Lyle School and his son has two SMU degrees and was a member of the Men’s Swimming and Diving team. Since all of the kids have left the nest, John and his wife are rediscovering their love of travel, reading, puzzles and games. And they are staying in touch with our kids by playing a weekly Dungeons and Dragons campaign, which he says has been great fun.

Welcome to SAES, John! We are excited to have you on board.

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

Leading by Example: ADSA’s Dr. Teiana Jones Selected for Inaugural Women Leaders in Sport Accelerator Summit

In the world of collegiate athletics, the pursuit of excellence extends beyond the field and the classroom it includes the professional staff dedicated to supporting students. Embodying this commitment, Dr. Teiana Jones, Senior Director and leader of the Academic Development for Student-Athletes (ADSA), a unit reporting under the Office of the Provost, was recently selected to participate in the prestigious, inaugural Women Leaders in Sport Accelerator Summit.

Dr. Jones brings a rare and powerful perspective to her role, built upon more than 15 years of professional experience operating uniquely within both Intercollegiate Athletic Administration and Academic Affairs Administration. Her career has been dedicated to bridging these two critical sectors, making her a distinctive leader in the landscape of higher education and athletics. This dual expertise was a key factor in her selection for the Accelerator Summit, an elevated leadership experience designed for senior-level administrators poised to take the next step in their executive careers.

Supported by industry giants such as the Dallas Cowboys, Learfield, and the NCAA, the intensive program selects participants based on their proven leadership and managerial experience. Dr. Jones was selected as a member of the inaugural cohort for this national program, an honor reserved for the most promising executive talent in the sports industry.

“It was a tremendous honor to be selected for the inaugural cohort of the Accelerator Summit and to represent our university among such accomplished peers,” said Dr. Jones. “To be in a room with women leaders from every sector of the sports industry was incredibly powerful. My goal is always to bring the very best strategies back to our team and the student-athletes we serve. This experience provided new tools and perspectives on executive leadership that will directly enhance our mission of fostering student-athlete academic success and holistic development.”

Following her successful participation, Dr. Jones was invited to join the exclusive Women Leaders in Sport Executive Level Circle, ensuring she will remain at the forefront of industry trends. The national recognition continued as Dr. Jones was also recently informed that she is a recipient of the prestigious Women Leaders Brenda Weare Scholarship.

This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to leaders who demonstrate exceptional promise and will support their attendance at the 2025 Women Leaders in Sports National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Through these back-to-back honors, Dr. Jones is committed to leveraging these elite programs and opportunities to continue enhancing her leadership skills, bringing cutting-edge strategies back to benefit the ADSA department and the student-athletes it serves.

 

 

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

May Mustang Champions

As we conclude the 2024-2025 academic year, ADSA would like to highlight four SMU student-athletes who are excelling academically, athletically, and in the community.  

Kirin Chacchia (Track & Field) 

What a semester it’s been for Kirin, a sophomore from Frisco, Texas, majoring in Psychology. She had a strong Spring semester academically and athletically.  This semester, she broke the SMU School record in the 400M hurdles, not once, but twice. For the second year in a row, she qualified for the NCAA first round in the 400M hurdles!  She is also heavily involved in Life After Ball (LAB) programming. She truly embodies what it means to be a well-rounded student-athlete, excelling in every aspect of her collegiate journey. 

Ava Anderson (Women’s Swimming & Diving) 

Ava Anderson, a junior on the SMU Women’s Swim and Dive team, is making waves in her academic and professional journey. In May alone, Ava dedicated over 18 hours to volunteering at Stewpot and Hope Farm, demonstrating her commitment to serving the Dallas community. This summer, she is gaining invaluable experience in her field of Applied Physiology and Health Management through multiple internships. One at Palm Pediatrics, where she’ll shadow and learn about physical therapy firsthand, and the other at Santiso PT. Ava is also a part of the Turner Scholars Program.

Mitchell Holmes (Men’s Basketball) 

Mitchell is a rising sophomore on the Men’s Basketball Team from Fort Worth, Texas. Alana Owens, Senior Academic Counselor, noted, “he is not only a hard worker who consistently gets assignments done ahead of schedule, but also a fantastic teammate. Mitchell excels at both encouraging others and fostering accountability among his peers, both on and off the court.” His dedication to his Applied Sports Management studies and his team make him a valuable asset to the university community.  The ADSA is expecting big things from Mitchell in the future! 

Ben Longeway (Men’s Swimming & Diving) 

Meet Ben Longeway, a rising Sophomore on the SMU Men’s Swimming and Diving team. In the Spring, he accumulated more volunteer hours than any other male student-athlete based on athletic department tracking. He primarily volunteered at Feed My Starving Children in Dallas. He participated in additional service hours with his team. His commitment to giving back to others in the Dallas community is commendable. His Senior Academic Counselor in the ADSA, Katie Evans, states, “Ben demonstrates the qualities of a servant leader; he dedicates his spare time to help others and improve his community.”  Ben’s career aspiration is to become a physical therapist (PT) after his time on the Hilltop. 

These four student-athletes wrapped up their Spring 2025 semester on a high note.

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

Announcing April Mustang Champions: These Student-Athletes are no joke

Four Student-Athletes Mentioned

April brings four new student-athletes to celebrate their academic achievements this month! Our Mustang Champions are chosen by their dedication to academic excellence and athletics. Meet the April Mustang Champions: 

Hensley Humphries (Equestrian)

Hensley doesn’t just clear fences with grace and precision as a Jumping Seat competitor in Equestrian; this senior, originally from Austin, Texas, also leaps to remarkable heights in her academic pursuits. Setting a high bar for herself and her fellow student-athletes, she’s not only earned the BBA Scholar and Provost Scholar but also a member of the University Honors Program. She has consistently achieved the Honor Roll with High Distinction an impressive six times. Truly embodying the spirit of a Mustang Champion, Hensley has impressed her Senior Academic Counselor, Desmond Grayson, who is “extremely proud of her for maintaining a flawless 4.0 GPA throughout her first three years. She approaches every challenge with a meticulous plan, often having a plan A, plan B, and even a plan C! Hensley consistently gives her all, no matter the obstacles she faces.” She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the Cox School of Business, with an emphasis in Finance. 

Ofek Shimanov (Men’s Tennis) 

Ofek, a determined midyear international transfer and true freshman, has navigated his arrival at SMU and the United States with remarkable poise.  His transition has been multifaceted, learning and adapting to a new country and college life, but also diving straight into the Men’s Tennis season. Just two weeks into the academic term, Ofek journeyed to Lithuania to proudly represent Israel at the prestigious Davis Cup. ADSA Senior Director, Dr. Teiana Jones shared that Ofek, “demonstrated exceptional foresight, he proactively engaged with the ADSA to thoroughly understand academic expectations before his departure.” This included an intensive introduction to CANVAS and essential academic resources, equipping him to seamlessly continue his coursework while competing internationally. Throughout his time abroad, Ofek maintained consistent communication with his peers and the ADSA support team, readily addressing any questions or needs that arose. Ofek is off to a truly impressive start to his academic journey at SMU. Adding to his achievements, he recently delivered his very first speech in English – a significant milestone he tackled with immense effort and preparation, resulting in an outstanding performance. 

Sydney Japic (Women’s Soccer)

Sydney, a driven senior transfer, from Alabama has made a dynamic entrance on the Hilltop. She is striving for a degree in Economics with a minor in business and is on track to walk the stage in the Spring 2026. Sydney’s impressive work ethic has already paved the way to a coveted summer internship at Henry Schein, where she’ll gain experience in the world of medical device sales. Lexi Williams, her Academic Counselor, has noted “Sydney’s exceptional drive and her ability to leverage the wealth of resources available at SMU.” Learn more about Sydney here. 

Zion Nelson (Football)

Zion, a graduate offensive line transfer from Miami, has been intentional and motivated at SMU this Spring. He’s strategically tapping into the full arsenal of resources offered by the ADSA and LAB, demonstrating a deliberate approach to forging meaningful connections within both the SMU and the Dallas community. He was selected as a VIP Dinner nominee this month and attended the Career Interest Talk (CIT) with Don Goldstein in April. Even though this event was a casual gathering, Zion’s sharp professional attire spoke volumes about his inherent professionalism and intention. He is currently focused on earning his Master’s in Liberal Studies, and on track to celebrate his graduation in the Spring of 2026. 

These four Mustangs are no joke; they exemplify the drive, dedication, and boldness it takes to be a SMU Student-Athlete and compete at the highest level! 

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

September Mustang Champions

Sept MC

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 Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

August Mustang Champions: Academic and Athletic Excellence

august MC

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 Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA)

Empowering Student-Athletes Through Literacy and Beyond 

ADSAspecialists

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

Cheering on our June Mustang Champions

Mustangchamps

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.
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Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) Student Academic Engagement & Success

ADSA Hiring Academic Tutors for 2024-2025 Academic Year

tutoring
Tess Balentine Tutoring Student-Athletes this summer

Do you have a passion for helping others meet their academic goals?  Do you have professional aspirations to be an educator?  Are you trying to get experience for a future graduate teaching position (TA)? 

If you said yes to any of the above questions, then the Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) wants YOU! The ADSA directly reports to the office of the Provost and is seeking enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutors to join our team. The main purpose of our tutors is to help student-athletes better understand specific course content through 1:1 or small group sessions.  This is a paid opportunity to get valuable teaching experience working with peers, in a fast-paced D1 athletic environment. Our tutors play a vital role in supporting student-athletes by providing subject-specific tutoring in a variety of undergraduate courses.  

 Why Tutor with ADSA? 

  • Make a Difference: You’ll have a direct impact on the academic success of SMU’s student-athletes, helping them excel in the classroom; clearing up concepts, and answering questions. An opportunity to give back to the University!
  • Flexible Schedule: Tutoring sessions are offered throughout the week (Monday through Friday), and you can choose the hours that work best for you, accommodating your class schedule and other commitments. 
  • Positive Work Environment: Join a team dedicated to student success in a supportive and collaborative environment.

What We’re Looking For: 

  • Strong academic background (minimum of B+ in relevant coursework) 
  • Minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 
  • Ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner 
  • Passion for helping others learn 
  • Able to be professional and maintain confidentiality  
  • Current enrolled SMU undergraduates, graduates, TA’s, or Faculty are all encouraged to apply. Pay is based on experience.

We are currently recruiting tutors for all subjects in the Fall but especially for APSM, MATH, STAT, HIST subjects.

If you’re interested in applying: 

Contact the ADSA Tutor Coordinator, Valerie Vining at 214-768-4857 or vvining@smu.edu for more information or apply directly at this link: https://smu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1FWagowDsD5hQz3 

 Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the SMU community and make a positive impact on student-athletes! 

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

ADSA Accentuates Academic Achievements of 2023-2024

cheerpom

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is proud of its student-athletes who consistently demonstrate excellence in both academics and athletics. We understand the unique challenges they face in balancing a demanding sports schedule with rigorous coursework. Our Mustangs arise to the exceed these standards every semester!

The Academic Development of Student-Athletes (ADSA) program is a cornerstone of SMU’s commitment to student-athlete success. ADSA provides a comprehensive support system that includes: 

  • Academic Counseling: ADSA advisors help student-athletes make informed decisions about their academic pursuits, from choosing a major to planning their course schedules. They also ensure athletes maintain NCAA eligibility requirements. 
  • Learning Skills Specialists: These specialists identify areas where student-athletes can improve, such as writing skills or time management. They offer personalized strategies and support to enhance academic performance. 
  • Tutoring and Class Checking: ADSA connects student-athletes with qualified tutors for a wide range of subjects for undergraduate students. If interested in becoming a tutor for the ADSA, submit an application here. Additionally, class checking services ensure attendance in class. 

Academic Achievement and Recognition 

The dedication of our student-athletes and the effectiveness of ADSA’s support are evident in SMU’s recent academic achievements: 

  • Public Recognition from the NCAA: Four SMU programs – men’s golf, women’s golf, rowing, and women’s soccer – received a perfect Academic Progress Rate (APR) score of 1,000, earning prestigious Public Recognition from the NCAA. View the APR results of the 2023 year. 
  • Surpassing Departmental and National Goals: Fourteen out of fifteen Mustang programs exceeded the departmental goal of a 975 APR score over four years. Additionally, thirteen programs scored equal to or higher than the national average in their respective sports. 

Spring 2024 Academic Highlights: 

  • Spring 2024 Athletic Department GPA:  3.25 
  • 72% of student-athletes received a 3.0 GPA in the Spring 2024 semester
  •  70% of student-athletes received a cumulative GPA above a 3.0
  • Top Single term Team GPAs: 
    • Women’s Cross Country: 3.728 
    • Men’s Tennis: 3.548 
  • Top Cumulative Team GPAs: 
    • Women’s Cross Country: 3.744 
    • Men’s Tennis: 3.629 
    • 55 Student-Athletes earned a perfect 4.00 GPA 

SMU’s student-athletes are true champions, excelling both on the field and in the classroom. They are well-positioned to achieve their athletic and academic goals heading into the ACC on July 1, 2024. Pony Up!