#10: Lawmakers in Mississippi are considering a bill that would close three public universities in the state. The legislation – Senate Bill 2726 – doesn’t specify which three, deferring that decision to the Institutions of Higher Learning, which oversees the state’s eight public universities. If the bill passes, IHL will have until June 30, 2025, to select them, with closure mandated by 2028. Of the eight schools the IHL oversees, one is DII (Delta State) and one is DIII, and three are DI HBCUs. (link); Delta State President Dan Ennis says the bill is not expected to move out of committee, adding: “What we really need to do is look at our resources and operate more efficiently through a downturn. We need to be careful with what we have in front of us, and, of course, preserve the institutions, because they are needed long term for economic development.” (link)
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#9: Alabama-Huntsville is adding a nutrition and mental health program, with a fueling station, nutrition education and “app-based daily assistant that provides student-athletes with effective tools to cope with stress.” AD Cade Smith: “How do we help our student-athletes have the best experience possible? The daily grind of trying to be a student, trying to be an athlete is not easy. Sometimes they’re going straight from the weight room to the classroom. No time to go to the cafeteria. […] For young people and everyone else, I think we’re more aware of mental health concerns than we’ve ever been. […] We want to integrate this with campus resources. This is about providing resources for student-athletes to be able to take care of themselves. […] And the byproduct is we have better teams.” Funding for the program was partially supported by Bryant Bank. (link)
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#8: CACC Asst. Commissioner/SWA Stephanie Scarpato Wiltey is headed to America East (DI) as Senior Assoc. Commissioner for Internal Operations. (link) |
#7: Gannon, Southern Nazarene, Assumption, Ashland, Texas Woman’s, Valdosta State, Catawba and Azusa Pacific lead their respective Women’s Basketball regions. (link) |
#6: Henderson State selects Southeastern Oklahoma State Senior Assoc. AD for External Operations Seth Dutton as its next AD, starting April 1. HSU Chancellor Trey Berry: "He is a proven leader who holds great respect among his peers. All of us on the Henderson campus were inspired by Seth's vision, energy and warmth. There is no doubt that he will engage our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends to support HSU Athletics at new levels. Indeed, great days are ahead within the Reddie Family!" (link)
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#5: St. Edward’s AD Debbie Taylor will retire at the end of the academic year after 22 years leading the Hilltoppers. SEU President Montserrat Fuentes: "This is an exciting time for St. Edward's University, and we have a firm foundation in place to advance Athletics as a critical element of the university's strategic plan. She leaves with an accomplished career, and we wish her the very best!” (link)
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#4: St. Augustine’s accreditation appeal with the SACSCOC has been denied, meaning the university’s accreditation has been removed. SAU has 10 days to request arbitration, which no institution has ever participated in with the accrediting body. Interim President Marcus Burgess: “We disagree with the decision made by SACSCOC and plan to appeal to a higher authority with evidence supporting the institution’s progress in resolving non-compliance. We will move quickly to file a lawsuit against SACSCOC seeking an injunction that, if granted, will allow Saint Augustine’s University to remain accredited with SACSCOC on Probation for Good Cause until the conclusion of litigation.” (link)
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#3: The first ranked hoops regional rankings are live. On the Men’s Basketball side, Gannon, Minnesota State, St. Thomas Aquinas, Indianapolis, Nova Southeastern, West Texas A&M, Lander and Cal State San Bernardino top their respective regions. (link)
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#2: Millersville selects Cabrini (DIII) VP of Athletics and Student Engagement Kate Corcoran as its next AD. Provost/SVP of Academic Affairs Gail Gasparich: "Kate's leadership experience in the areas of athletics and student engagement will benefit our student-athletes. Having an equal commitment to our students' athletic endeavors and academic experiences will ensure our students benefit from all aspects of their college experience at Millersville University." (link)
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#1: Notre Dame College will close at the end of the semester after over a century, citing “declining enrollment, a shrinking pool of college-aged students, rising costs and significant debt.” Board of Trustees Chair Terri Bradford Eason: “Throughout this long process, we evaluated every possible option to continue the mission of Notre Dame College. Our primary focus has been to ensure our students can successfully continue their education, graduate, and – in the tradition of the Sisters of Notre Dame – live a life of personal, professional and global responsibility.” NDC has signed teach-out agreements with nine institutions including Lake Erie, Mercyhurst, Ursuline and Walsh. Athletics will continue as scheduled for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. (link, link)
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