This emphasis in academics has resulted in a 73-percent graduation rate of NMSU’s student athletes as well as an improvement in the university’s academic progress rate, or APR. APR is the measure used by the NCAA to chart the academic success of NMSU student athletes and it has risen over the past few years.
“I think the most significant accomplishment during my time has been changing the culture of the NMSU Athletics Department to better reflect the academic culture of the university,” Boston said. “The behavior of our student athletes has also improved. Today they are role models and important members of our community.”
During Boston’s tenure, NMSU student athletes have logged thousands of hours of community service each year. Under his watch, NMSU student athletes have won 16 WAC team championships and 33 WAC individual championships. Boston also guided NMSU through the transition of the Western Athletic Conference, which saw a dramatic change in both the face and the geographic footprint of the conference.
“I am very pleased with the capital improvements Dr. Boston has overseen during his time at NMSU,” Carruthers said. “Since he was named NMSU Athletics Director in 2004, the university has embarked on major renovations to both the Pan American Center and Presley Askew Stadium. We have also recently completed a major renovation to the Coca-Cola Weight Training Center and will soon complete work on new turf for Aggie Memorial Stadium.”
NMSU will begin a national search for its next athletics director. Carruthers will soon name a search committee with representation from NMSU’s faculty and staff as well as community members. He said the next athletics director will be heavily engaged in the promotion and fundraising for NMSU athletics.
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