|
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, October 2, 2001 UCHACZ
NAMED AS DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC SUPPORT EDINBURG, TX –Since joining the staff at the
University of Texas-Pan American, Chris Uchacz has spent countless hours
insuring that UTPA’s student-athletes have the chance to spend some of
the most rewarding years of their lives as a Bronc or Lady Bronc. Uchacz’
tireless efforts were rewarded when he was named Director of Academic
Support and Student Services for Athletics, according to Director of
Athletics William J. Weidner. The first full-time Athletic Academic Coordinator
at UTPA, Uchacz’s accomplishments include restructuring the
Student-Athlete Academic Learning Center, developing a state-of-the-art
computer lab, enhancing the tutorial program, developing an orientation
program for freshmen and transfer student-athletes, and the enhancement
of study skills workshops. Since the academic support program was instituted,
the athletic department’s overall grade-point average has risen during
each semester. Last spring, four student-athletes earned Dean’s List
first honors, 25 earned Dean’s List second honors, 47 student-athletes were
inducted into the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, and 60 were named to
the Spring 2001 Bronc Pride 3.0 Club. UTPA had 60 student-athletes (36 per cent) earn a
cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better last spring, with 31 attaining 3.2 or
better, and 14 at 3.5 or above. Three student-athletes-women’s golfer
Adriana Espinoza, baseball player Oziel Ortiz, and women’s track and
field and cross country runner Patty Villareal-were named Arthur Ashe,
Jr. Sports Scholar Award winners, and 19 student-athletes were named United
States Achievement Academy All-American Sports Scholars. “I’m very excited about the promotion, and
I’m very pleased with the direction of our academic support
program,” said Uchacz. “The university administration, the athletic
department administration, and our coaches have all bought into the
academic goals we set for our student-athletes. This, in itself has
provided an environment where student-athletes can excel
academically.” “Our athletic program at UTPA is committed to
providing an environment that enables each of our student-athletes to
successfully strive for excellence in both the athletic and academic
arenas,” said Weidner. “As an Academic Coordinator, Chris Uchacz has
played a pivotal role in insuring that our athletic program honors that
commitment. His professionalism, expertise and tireless work ethic have
been instrumental in the continued advancement of our athletic program.
As Chris’ role within our department expands, it is most fitting and
well-deserved that he be named as our Director of Academic Support and
Student Services for Athletics.” Uchacz’s appointment is effective immediately. GE-01-10-02-01 |