SOMMERSET, N.J. - In one of the most challenging academic years ever, LIU student athletes rose to the challenge. The Sharks earned LIU's first-ever NEC Institutional Academic Award, establishing a new single-year conference record with a combined 3.488 grade point average across 22 sports. LIU just barely edged out Saint Francis U, which finished with a 3.482 GPA.
The NEC also recognized those teams that compiled the highest GPA in their respective sports. LIU claimed an NEC-best six Team GPA awards, two more than any other institution. Women's swimming (3.734), softball (3.677), men's cross country (3.617), men's indoor and outdoor track & field (3.523) and football (3.259) were all league-bests.
"In challenging times NEC student-athletes shined like never before, and I couldn't be any prouder," said Noreen Morris, NEC Commissioner. "First and foremost, I'd like to congratulate LIU for breaking the all-time NEC GPA record in winning our highest academic honor. This is the byproduct of an institution-wide commitment to the pursuit of academic excellence, and the support given to Shark student-athletes. Similarly, it's awe-inspiring to see NEC student-athletes reach new heights with a record-breaking 3.40 conference-wide GPA. They never cease to amaze me with their ability to balance their academic and athletic pursuits, while volunteering countless hours to make a difference their local communities. I thank the NEC coaches, administrators and Presidents for providing the framework and support system to make this all possible."
LIU finished second in the NEC Institutional Academic Award standings in 2018-19, and has finished no lower than fourth in each of the last seven years.
"First and foremost our coaches do a great job establishing a commitment to excellence culture," said LIU Director of Athletics Dr. Bill Martinov. "That culture is about being a student first, which is the basis for our success. At LIU we take it a step further and talk about a 4 and 40-year commitment, and how we emphasize and support our students in that four-year experience because of how it impacts the next 40 years of their lives. We embrace that responsibility as an institution and as an athletic department. We're excited to see our students do so well and to be part of a conference from top to bottom that's doing just tremendous. We're in great company and we're honored to win this award and represent Long Island University."
All 22 LIU teams that competed in NEC sponsored sports posted at least a 3.0 GPA and 12 compiled a 3.5 or better GPA on the year.
"The hard work and academic dedication exhibited by our student-athletes represent the highest ideals at LIU," said Long Island University President Dr. Kimberly R. Cline. "This award exemplifies teamwork, resolve, and commitment to excellence of Shark Nation."
LIU and SFU were among five institutions that broke the previous record of 3.432 set by Robert Morris in 2018-19. Bryant (3.455), Sacred Heart (3.453) and FDU (3.443) also bettered RMU's standard, while Wagner (3.432) matched the Colonials' effort from a year ago.
The Institutional Academic Award is presented annually to the NEC member who attains the highest overall institutional grade-point average amongst student-athletes competing in sports sponsored by the NCAA Division I conference. The NEC currently sponsors 23 sports: baseball, men's and women's basketball, women's bowling, men's and women's cross country, field hockey, football, men's and women's golf, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, men's and women's soccer, softball, women's swimming, men's and women's tennis and women's volleyball.
