The award was presented to FAMU Athletic Director Kellen
Winslow at the annual NACDA meeting, held recently in Orlando, Fla. The
Rattlers were recognized in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)
for showing the greatest improvement in Academic Progress Rate (APR) for the
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
"Our association is pleased to present these awards to
spotlight one true mission of all FCS programs – embracing the academic
progress of their student-athletes, who will become leaders off the field. We
are happy to continue to recognize the FCS institutions and their football
programs for continuing to reach exemplary APR scores," said FCS ADA
President Brian Hutchinson.
The award comes on the heels of a post-season ban the NCAA imposed on the FAMU program for not maintaining the baseline standard multi-year APR rate. While the NCAA penalty comes as a result of four academic years, the NACDA recognition takes into account the improvement the football team has made.
“It was challenging to endure the scrutiny that we came
under as a result of the NCAA penalty being levied, but this award solidified
the fact that we are moving in the right direction,” Head Football Coach Earl
Holmes said.
From the day he was announced as athletic director at FAMU,
Winslow has expressed his passion for sound academic performance.
"I thank the leadership of NACDA for recognizing our
efforts to exceed the NCAA APR standards. We are executing our plan for
academic success and remain confident of achieving our goals,” Winslow said.
In 2010, the Rattlers won the award for the academic
progress the team made in the 2008-2009 academic year.