In a remarkable display of academic prowess, forty-two current and former student-athletes from the University of Kentucky are set to graduate on Friday. This impressive group represents 11 different teams and will be honored during the December Commencement ceremonies at Rupp Arena.
The University of Kentucky’s commitment to academic success is evident in the fact that this year’s graduating class brings the total number of athletes who have received their degrees to 168. This makes 2023 the most successful calendar year for graduates in the history of UK Athletics.
One standout among the graduates is former UK football star, Maurice Douglass. After a successful career in the NFL, Douglass returned to the university to complete his degree. He will be graduating as part of UK Athletics’ Cawood Ledford Post-Eligibility program, which provides financial support for scholarship student-athletes who choose to continue their education after their eligibility is over.
Additionally, three athletes – Jordyn Rhodes, Jackson Gray, and Garrett Wood – are completing master’s degrees, showcasing their dedication to both their sport and their academic pursuits.
Among the graduates, nine have earned all-conference honors and six have been recognized as All-Americans. Two graduates, Reagan Rutherford and Azhani Tealer, were part of the university’s volleyball team that brought home the national championship in 2020, forever cementing their place in UK Athletics history.
The complete list of expected graduates includes athletes from a variety of sports, such as football, soccer, swimming, track & field, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, baseball, and golf. This diverse group represents the hard work and determination of student-athletes across the university.
The academic achievements of UK student-athletes are a testament to the support and resources provided by UK Athletics’ Student-Athlete Experience Division. For 22 consecutive semesters, these individuals have maintained a cumulative grade-point average of over 3.0, highlighting their commitment to academic excellence. Moreover, UK Athletics has tied its own school record for the NCAA Graduation Success Rate with an impressive 92 percent, surpassing the national average by one point. Additionally, all of UK’s teams have exceeded the mandatory score for the NCAA Academic Progress Rate, with the university’s overall APR rate surpassing the national average.
In August of this year, UK Athletics celebrated a record-breaking achievement with the announcement of 12 Academic All-Americans for the 2022-23 school year. This accomplishment, awarded by the College Sports Communicators organization, further solidifies the university’s commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.
The graduation of these 42 student-athletes from the University of Kentucky is a testament to their hard work and dedication in both the classroom and on the field. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations of student-athletes and highlight the importance of balancing athletic success with academic pursuits. Congratulations to all of the graduates on this monumental accomplishment.
