Page 19 - Alcorn Magazine - Spring, 2019

New Student Athlete And Family Enhancement (S.A.F.E.) Center Opens
With the grand opening of its newest facility, Alcorn State University strives to maintain the athletic and academic success of its student athletes.
e Student Athlete and the Family Enhancement (S.A.F.E.) Center had its ribbon cutting and grand opening on Alcorn’s main campus in Lorman, Mississippi. e former football stadium dressing facility is one of the rst student athlete development centers on a historically black college or university campus to provide specialized support to student athletes and their families. e center will support the uni- versity community and athletic department by providing programs and services that promote degree attainment, comprehensive person- al development, career planning, healthy living, and professional and family development.
Built and operated in part with funding from the ASU Foundation, Inc., the Mississippi Department of Human Services, and the NCAA, the S.A.F.E. Center will assist Alcorn’s student athletes in cultivating and de ning their educational and personal goals, developing leader- ship skills, and refueling for performance.
Jessica Ransome, president of the Student Athlete Advisory Commit- tee, expressed her gratitude to the university for creating a develop- ment center for student athletes.
“Every day, especially today, I am so glad that I chose to attend Alcorn, where I am surrounded by caring faculty and sta that motivates me to excel at life,” said Ransome. “To have such a wonderful program and facility like this placed on our campus to help us reach our full potential is something that we all are grateful for.”
Derek Horne, director of Athletics, said that the new resource is the key to equipping the students for their future.
“ e new facility will enhance our ability to develop personal growth for our student athletes and their families, and will prepare them for their life after Alcorn,” said Horne. “We want them to be proud alum- ni and also loyal supporters.”
Paul Mooney, site coordinator for the Mississippi Community Educa- tion Center, Families First of Mississippi, applauded those responsible for their hard work in making the facility a reality.
“ is is a humongous achievement,” said Mooney. “You have a legit- imate facility and program here at Alcorn, and I congratulate you on your accomplishment.”
Jason Cable, assistant vice president for Athletic Compliance and Stu- dent Athlete Services, spoke highly of the university’s student athletes. He said that a desire to push them toward more success is what in- spired the idea for the facility.
“Our student athletes here are the best in the nation,” said Cable. “We aspire to lead the nation in the care of our student athletes. We de- mand a lot from our students, and we’ve raised expectations, and they have met those expectations because of their dedication. We will con- tinue to push them to reach higher benchmarks, and when we push them, we will make sure they have the support and tools they need to reach their goals.”
Dr. Donzell Lee, interim president, also praised the scholar athletes for their hard work and their commitment to excellence in the classroom and their sports.
“ is is a great day for the university,” said Lee. “Students are import- ant to us because they are why we are here. I’m very proud of what we’re doing here. Knowledge and character matter here at Alcorn, and our student athletes exemplify that on a daily basis.”
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