FAYETTE, IA (01/16/2014)(readMedia)--  The Upper Iowa University Athletic Department will recognize 179  student-athletes who earned a spot on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll  on Friday, Jan.  24 between the men's and women's basketball games against Concorida  University, St.  Paul.
"We are thrilled to announce the Athletic Director's Honor Roll for the  Fall semester," Brandi Rideout, the Assistant Athletic Director for  Student-Athlete Services said.  "We had a significant increase of student-athletes achieving a 3.2 GPA  this past fall which is a testament to their hard work and commitment to  academic success.  We congratulate them and are very proud of their  accomplishments in the classroom."
To earn consideration for the Athletic Director's Honor Roll, a  student-athlete must have earned a minimum 3.20 grade-point average  during the 2013 Fall semester.  In years past, the standard was 3.0 but was raised last year to  encourage Upper Iowa student-athletes to achieve at a higher level in  the classroom.
Also, 32 student-athletes held a perfect 4.0 GPA during the fall  semester (indicated with a * below), while 17 of these student-athletes  (marked by a # below) hold a perfect GPA in their respective careers at  UIU.
"These awards confirm our belief that academic-achievement and  graduation is the number one reason why our student-athletes are here at  Upper Iowa University," David Miller, the UIU Director of Athletics  said.  "This is a testament to the coaches here, and the quality of character  in the student-athletes they recruit."
Currently the men's golf team has the highest male team career GPA at  3.30, while the women's golf team has the highest female team career GPA  - 3.65.
Earlier this year, 34 student-athletes were named to the Northern Sun  Intercollegiate Conference All-Academic Teams in the fall of 2013.  To be eligible for this honor, the student-athlete must be a member of  the varsity traveling team and have a cumulative grade point average of  3.20 or better.  Also, the student-athlete must have reached sophomore academic and  athletic standing at the institution represented with one full year  completed at their institution.
Please see the list below to view all of the student-athletes being honored from your area.
Cheyenne Burnett of Rock Falls, IL, a member of the Softball
Paige Davis of Rock Falls, IL, a member of the Women's Cross Country
Haylie Franklin of Muscatine, IA, a member of the Women's Volleyball
About  Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a  private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate  degree programs and leadership development opportunities to more than  6,200 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette campus and  learning centers worldwide.  Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited,  quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including  online and self-paced degree program.  For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.