The six-year graduation rate for student-athletes at ISU is on the rise, and coaches and administrators agree on the reason.

“We are very happy and pleased with the results, but the majority of the credit should go to the students,” said Athletics Director Bruce Van De Velde.

The new figures, released last week by the NCAA, showed ISU’s student-athlete graduation rate had increased to 64 percent in 2002 for students who entered the university in the fall of 1996, up from 54 percent the previous year.

“We have dedicated student-athletes and a dedicated staff who cares about students,” Van De Velde said.

The ISU staff that oversees this academic success by ISU athletes is part of Iowa State’s Student-Athlete Services.

Student-Athlete Services, led by director Donald R. Reed, plays a major role in the success of student-athletes in the classroom.

“The academic advisers are there throughout the whole thing,” said Rebecca Hornbacher, women’s soccer coach. “It starts at the recruiting process, and they’ll attend their weddings when they’re done.”

Van De Velde said higher graduation rates are also an attractive tool for recruiting.

Student-Athlete Services employs four student-athlete counselors who work side-by-side with coaches and student-athletes. The counselors work in the recruiting process and then work with the players to create learning plans geared directly to each athlete.

“The specific study plans help freshman start off on the right foot,” said K.J. Kindler, women’s gymnastics coach. “Our athletes don’t think twice about graduating.”

Academic Student Services is a tool utilized by many students, but it is only one tool for the athletic department. Many coaches said the student-athletes themselves are the ones who make ISU’s programs so strong.

“You want to see your students succeed in life, it’s a good thing,” said Steve Lynn, men’s track and field coach.

“Most of the time, it’s very important to the student and that’s a very positive thing.”

Lynn said he was proud to see his athletes working toward the goal of graduating and pursuing their chosen careers.

“I’m really pleased the kids are getting the jobs they want to,” he said.

Van De Velde said higher graduation rates can be attributed in part to academic interaction between student-athletes and the staff at Iowa State.

“This is the result of everyone working together,” he said.