Charles Williams Memorial Jersey

On May 23, 2003, Samford junior cornerback Charles Williams died in a car accident . In only two seasons on the team, Williams emerged as a starter in the secondary in 2002 . In addition to his success on the field, Williams also maintained one of the highest grade point averages on the team . For the 2003 and 2004 seasons (what would have been Williams’ junior and senior seasons) no one wore jersey No . 5, the number that Williams wore . Every year since then, a senior has been selected to wear the No . 5, the Charles Williams Memorial Jersey .

2005 Ossie Buchannon

2006 T .C . Myers

2007 Jay McCurty

2008 Rodney Shepherd

2009 Jon Weber

2010 Bryce Smith

2011 Sean Thompson

2012 Ryan Dudchock

2013 Justin Shade

2014 Brinson Porter

Carson Barnett Devon Schmitt Shaheed Salmon Tyler Queen Nick Barton

(NCAA) has strongly enforced academic reform this decade as it pertains to student-athletes’ continuing eligibility and ultimate college graduation . Because of the tightening of new legislation, academic support services throughout the country have been highlighted to spearhead the additional success that is needed for student-athletes to earn a degree .

The academic success for Samford University student-athletes begins with the Academic Enhancement Program [AEP] . The AEP was developed in the early 1990s and is based on individual instruction with student-athletes who are integrated within a caring environment that is conducive to academic success .

The AEP system is designed to provide Samford’s student-athletes with the necessary guidance, personal attention and academic skills— enhancement activities to help them have the most positive educational and personal experience possible . Student-athletes are integrated within a foundation of the university’s general education core curriculum that emphasizes basic skills for academic achievement .

Tutors and academic mentors assist athletes in writing courses, foreign languages, math, science and business, to name a few . With tutorial sessions incorporating improved study techniques, the AEP puts student-athletes in position to succeed and become independent learners .

The AEP environment includes a computer lab/classroom, private tutor rooms and quiet study space .

In conjunction with the Career Development Center, the Writing Center, the Academic Success Center and all student support services, the AEP is a bridge from freshman orientation to graduation and professional life .

The AEP strives to meet the needs, concerns and overall welfare of all student-athletes . Each May, the academic enhancement office honors studentathletes who have achieved a 3 .0 GPA or better over the last two full terms .

The Department of Athletics offers a variety of support programs for student-athletes, including some NCAA Student Affairs programming . This student development program exists to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the university setting . There are five focus areas that address student-athlete development . Commitment to Academic Excellence: To support the academic progress of student-athletes toward intellectual development and graduation Commitment to Athletic Excellence: To build philosophical foundations for the development of athletics programs that are broad-based, equitable and dedicated to the well-being of student-athletes

To support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills Commitment to Career Development: To encourage student-athletes to develop and pursue career and life goals Commitment to Service: To engage studentathletes in service to their campus and surrounding community

Throughout the year, student-athletes attend the programs in the five commitment areas that are most relevant and helpful to them at their current stage of development . This is done through workshops and seminars, campus partnerships and other programming throughout the year . Topics include financial management, time management, media relations, spiritual development, choosing a major and a career, résumé writing, and sportsmanship . Speakers include faculty members, coaches, administrators, business leaders and former student-athletes .

All AEP programming is designed to enhance and support the academic and athletic endeavors of student-athletes . Student-athletes gain preparation for success in life, develop enhanced interpersonal skills, build positive self-esteem, develop leadership skills and make meaningful contributions to their communities .