Out with the cockroaches. In with state-of-the-art study space.
Winston-Salem State’s work to strengthen its athletics program through the addition of an academic center is complete. The center is in the bowels of the Gaines Center, with part of it using a room known as “The Dungeon.”
Athletics Director Bill Hayes had a vision to build a place where athletes could go to study or for tutoring.
“Who would have thought that ‘The Dungeon’ that was infested with cockroaches could be turned into an academic center?” Hayes said.
Chancellor Donald Reaves has talked at length about retention of all students at WSSU, including student-athletes. The new center features a computer lab with 10 computers and enough space for as many as 45 athletes to study at one time.
“We have just over 275 athletes,” said Margaret Cutler, the academic adviser for athletics who is in charge of the center. “This center is going to be a tremendous help, and our coaches are completely on board with this because it gives the athletes extra support.”
When Hayes returned to WSSU in November 2009, he said, there was one academic adviser for athletes. Now there are six who assist with class selection, tutoring and scheduling study halls. Hayes said that the cost of the new center was about $250,000.
“Thank God for the provost, Brenda Allen, because she saw my vision, and together with the coaches, we came up with this center and the concept, and it all came to fruition in a short amount of time,” Hayes said. “Needless to say, that’s my crown jewel.”
Lisa Ann Alexander of Walter Robbs Callahan & Pierce Architects was the interior designer and said that working on the project was enjoyable.
“From a personal standpoint, it’s been great to see Coach Hayes’ commitment to academic excellence and to be a part of it,” Alexander said in an e-mail. “I guess like all coaches, you’d rather have really talented, smart players vs. just talented players.”
Cutler is in her second year as the academic adviser and previously held study halls in an old classroom at the Gaines Center. She said that the academic center is more conducive to serving the needs of the athletes.
Andrew Jackson, a senior basketball player, is in his second year at WSSU after transferring from a junior college. He said that the center has been a big help in his pursuit of a sports-management degree.
Cutler said that students who transfer into WSSU usually have to make up some ground academically but that it’s especially hard for those coming from a junior college.
“It’s very big, not just for basketball, but for the entire athletic program,” Jackson said of the center. “We always have our study-hall time in there, and it allows us to get our work done.
“I’ve got a couple more classes to take with Dr. (Dennis) Felder,” added Jackson, who hopes to graduate this summer. “They are doing a lot to see that I get out of here on time. And this new academic center has been a blessing.”
In previous years, some men’s and women’s basketball players struggled academically during the fall semester and were ineligible in the spring. No players were ruled ineligible between semesters this school year, and men’s basketball coach Bobby Collins said he thinks his current team might have the highest grade-point average in his five seasons.
“I do know we did some good things this last semester in the classroom, and having that academic center is a big reason,” Collins said.
Cutler said that parents and recruits in sports such as softball and track and field have been on campus and have toured the facility. She said that should help in recruiting, because the center shows parents of prospective athletes that WSSU is serious about academics.
“Looking at other Division II schools, I’m not sure that they have similar models, but Coach Hayes has pushed for us to have academic success with the athletes, and that’s why this center was so important,” Cutler said.
Hayes said keeping athletes in school so they can complete degrees is one of the things that excites him about being an athletics director.
“This isn’t about scoring touchdowns or making jump shots, it’s about getting on track to graduate,” Hayes said. “This helps to keep them eligible, so they can score those touchdowns and make those jump shots.”
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