The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics recently announced that it is a recipient of a $100,000 Single Initiatives Grant from the NCAA Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP).
The grant will be used for elevating the academic success of UTRGV student-athletes, with enhancements including renovations to the Victory Center, such as technology upgrades and professional development for academic advising staff. This grant will assist UTRGV Athletics in addressing its current critical issues and help the department meet its academic progress rate goals. The grant will also be essential to the continued development of UTRGV as the leading institution of higher education in South Texas.
“This grant will allow us to enhance the student-athlete experience in a meaningful way, keep our cumulative grade point average above 3.0 and improve on our academic progress rates,†UTRGV Director of Athletics Chris King said. “I want to thank the NCAA AASP Selection Committee for this selection as well as everyone on campus that was part of the committee that worked on this grant.â€
The UTRGV committee includes Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations Felipe Salinas, who served as the primary grant writer, Development Grant Proposal Writer Kathryn O'Neil, Sponsored Programs Research Services Coordinator Andrew Lawler, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Services and Project Director Farrah Manthei, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Business Operations James Martinez, and Assistant Athletic Director for Events and Facility Operations Adam Mendez.