HILTON HEAD, S.C. – The Clayton State Department of Athletics has once again claimed the prestigious Peach Belt Conference President's Academic Award following another impressive year in the classroom as announced by the league on Thursday, June 3.
 
"We are incredibly honored to repeat as the PBC President's Academic Award winner and be recognized as one of the top academic programs in the conference," Clayton State Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher said.
 
"This was a true team effort, starting with the tremendous support we receive from our President, Dr. Tim Hynes," Erlacher said. "However, the bulk of the credit goes to our amazing student-athletes for their outstanding work and dedication in the classroom, especially during such a challenging year. We are extremely proud of their commitment to academic excellence and grateful for the way they represent our University."
 
The President's Academic Award is based on each institution's GPA ratio that identifies which school's student-athletes are performing most ahead of the curve in comparison to the student body. Institutions are not measured against one another, just student-athletes to their students.
 
Clayton State first claimed the award at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season after the Lakers posted their first full academic year with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The 2020-21 season saw Clayton State student-athletes continue the run of Academic Excellence by posting their fifth and sixth consecutive semesters with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
 
This academic year concluded with the department's highest GPA for an academic year with a 3.131 grade point average.
 
The Lakers join UNC Pembroke, Columbus State, Georgia Southwestern and former member Armstrong State as the only institutions to earn the award multiple times.
 
The Presidents' Academic Award is part of a larger conference program to highlight the accomplishments of PBC student-athletes in the classroom as well as on the field.
 
History of Peach Belt Conference Presidents' Academic Award (By Year)
2020-21: Clayton State
2019-20: No Awards Presented (COVID-19)
2018-19: Clayton State
2017-18: Georgia Southwestern/UNC Pembroke
2016-17: North Georgia
2015-16: Columbus State
2014-15: Columbus State
2013-14: Armstrong State
2012-13: Armstrong State
2011-12: Georgia Regents (Augusta)
2010-11: UNC Pembroke
2009-10: UNC Pembroke
2008-09: USC Aiken
2007-08: Georgia Southwestern
2006-07: Armstrong State
2005-06: Armstrong State
 
History of Peach Belt Conference Presidents' Academic Award (By School)
Armstrong State - 4
UNC Pembroke - 3
Clayton State - 2
Columbus State - 2
Georgia Southwestern - 2
USC Aiken - 1
Augusta - 1
North Georgia - 1
 
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