CLEVELAND – Western Michigan has received the 2019-20 Mid-American Conference Institutional Academic Achievement Award, the conference announced Thursday. The 376 Bronco student-athletes combined to post a 3.317 grade-point average (GPA) for the 2019-20 academic year.

The honor is presented annually to the MAC school with the highest GPA for student-athletes in league-sponsored sports for the academic year. 

"Our student-athletes have continued to perform as champions," Western Michigan Director of Athletics Kathy Beauregard said. "I am so proud of all our Broncos. I am not at all surprised by their classroom efforts. This award speaks to the total team effort of WMU Athletics. I also want to thank all our academic support services, as well as all our parents, coaches and support members who were so consistent and dedicated to helping our student-athletes during this year."

This is Western Michigan's second time receiving the award, having earned it in 2016-17.

"We are so very proud of our student-athletes for their commitment and dedication in the classroom," head volleyball coach Colleen Munson said. "Along with our faculty and staff, our student-athletes put in the work in the classroom and exemplified what it means to be a student-athlete. This award shows we chose to finish strong individually, collectively as teams and corporately as an athletic department." 

"What an accomplishment by our Bronco student-athletes," head men's soccer coach Chad Wiseman said. "I am very proud of the discipline and effort from each and every player. Our student-athletes are leaders and role models in the Kalamazoo community and for this university. They once again showed just how exceptional they are. They compete hard in athletics, but what's even more impressive is how they compete in the classroom. They win in the classroom like no other MAC institution. It's a great day to be a Bronco!"

"I am so proud to be a part of an athletic department that places great value on the education of our student-athletes," head gymnastics coach Penny Jernigan said. "It's a collective effort. Our gymnasts are extremely hardworking, as is our academic services team. They're all tireless in their pursuits of excellence. Winning this prestigious award twice in just the last four years is a testament to their focus and dedication."

The top three MAC institutions for GPAs in 2019-20 were:
Institution, No. Sports, No. Student-Athletes, GPA
Western Michigan, 16 sports, 376 student-athletes, 3.317 GPA
Toledo, 16 sports, 479 student-athletes, 3.301 GPA
Kent State, 16 sports, 461 student-athletes, 3.267 GPA

Institutional Academic Achievement Award
2019-20           Western Michigan University
2018-19           University of Toledo
2017-18           University of Toledo
2016-17           Western Michigan University
2015-16           University of Toledo
2014-15           University of Toledo
2013-14           Miami University
2012-13           University of Toledo
2011-12           University of Toledo
2010-11           University of Akron
2009-10           Bowling Green State University
2008-09           Ball State University
2007-08           Northern Illinois University
2006-07           Central Michigan University
2005-06           Central Michigan University
2004-05           Central Michigan University
2003-04           Central Michigan University
2002-03           Central Michigan University
2001-02           Central Michigan University
2000-01           Bowling Green State University
1999-00           Central Michigan University
1998-99           Central Michigan University
1997-98           Central Michigan University
1996-97           Ball State University and Central Michigan University (tie)
1995-96           Bowling Green State University
1994-95           Bowling Green State University

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