Academics
Classroom Success “Success in the classroom is essential to success on the golf course, so we offer our student-athletes as much support academically as they get athletically. Academics are and must remain the top priority for our student-athletes.”
-- David Jackson, Associate Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services and Men's Golf Academic Advisor
E Rebel Golf And Academics
Rebel golf boasted yet another outstanding year in the classroom in 2008-09. Brett Kanda and Colby Smith each received Academic All-Mountain West Conference accolades. Kanda was selected for the third straight year, while Smith was a first-time recipient. Johnny Pinjuv and Smith were honored as MWC Scholar-Athletes, Pinjuv for the third time and again, a first for Smith. Additionally, Kanda was named a Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar for Division I and Pinjuv was recognized for having the highest cumulative grade point average of all male student-athletes at UNLV (3.93 in accounting). In both 2007-08 and 2006-07, four Rebel golfers earned Academic All-MWC, while in 2005-06, six earned the recognition. In 200405, UNLV had eight such honorees - a group that was led by former student-athlete Ryan Moore, who was named a second team Academic All-American in 2005. Moore was just the second Rebel ever to earn that distinction. Over the last decade, Rebel golf has had 11 All-America Scholars and four Academic All-Americans.
ver since its first classroom opened in 1957, UNLV has been on the rise in the world of higher education. From dusty lots with only a few buildings to a lush, ever-expanding setting, the campus has continued to respond to the demands stemming from an increasing enrollment. The University boasts nationally competitive business programs and a school of hotel administration that attracts students from around the globe. But with 246 degree programs in 15 schools and colleges, including the new William S. Boyd School of Law, UNLV offers the student-athlete an array of educational opportunities. UNLV maintains an academic support system for its student-athletes that is designed to ensure success on and off the fields of play. Housed in the new Academic Success Center, academic advisors work with the 17 men’s and women’s sports ensuring student-athletes receive personalized care regarding their progress in education. Advisors work with their sport-specific student-athletes in scheduling, tutoring, degree progress and NCAA eligibility. Providing even greater challenges, students who maintain a 3.5 grade point average can apply for entrance into UNLV’s honors program.
The UNLV men’s golf program has a current string of 12 straight semesters with a 3.0 team grade point average or higher and the squad's 3.34 team GPA in the spring of 2007 was its highest since fall of 1996. This past spring, the team earned a 3.30 GPA. Academic advising for UNLV men’s golf is the responsibility David Jackson, Associate Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services.
Former Rebel golfer Ryan Moore became just the second Rebel ever to earn Academic All-America honors when he was named to the second team in 2004-05.
Two-time Academic All-MWC honoree and Parker Award Winner Scott Lander was joined by head coach Dwaine Knight and his wife, Debbie, at his graduation.