(Miami Gardens, FL, July 23, 2018) With 8 teams in the entire program, Florida Memorial University (FMU) earned the distinction of having 6 teams awarded by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
To have 6 out of 8 teams perform well aligns with FMUs vision and athletic mission, to be a model program both academically and athletically.
Percy Caldwell, PhD., Director of Athletics at Florida Memorial University, attributes its success to athletic coaches who recruit good students. “Our ultimate goal is that our Grade Point Average (GPA)rises above our general student body,” said Caldwell. “In my 38 years as an athletics administrator, I have never had six teams win in one year,” he added.
Yulianna Charris, originally from Venezuela, has maintained a 4.0 for 4 semesters and is about to enter her Junior year at Florida Memorial University. She is a champion scholastically and on the volleyball court. “There are two things that help me win. My faith and my family and the hope that I will be withthem again one day,” said Yulianna.
“Florida Memorial University continues to have a high percentage of its teams receive the NAIA Scholar Team Award, as at least six Lions’ teams earned the honor for the third straight academic year. This is ateam award that embodies what it means to be true student-athletes, and FMU’s programs have onceagain achieved at a high level both academically and athletically in 2017-18,” said Kelli Briscoe, Championship Event Manager, NAIA.
ABOUT FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY
Located in the City of Miami Gardens, Florida Memorial University is a private, historically Black institution that offers 37 undergraduate degree programs and four graduate degree programs to a culturally diverse student body. Since its inception in 1878, the University has upheld a commitment to provide an academic education solid foundation built upon the pillars of leadership, character, andservice. As South Florida’s only Historically Black College or University (HBCU), it is widely recognized asthe birthplace of the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing. For more information call 305 623 1452 or visit www.fmuniv.edu.
FMU is among the leading HBCUs in the nation leveraging partnerships with public and corporate partners to develop academic training and certification programs in emerging markets such as Energy and Environmental Science, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security and Computer Information Technology. FMU also offers a robust study abroad program and award-winning Broadcast Communications and Public Relations programs.
The university is also part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the SunConference and offers eight collegiate sports programs, including men/women’s basketball,men/women soccer, men/women’s track and field, baseball and volleyball.
FMU offers 28 undergraduate degree majors and three graduate degree majors. The University holds a 92% retention rate for program participants. More than 14% of the student population are international students representing Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
