CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas was awarded the Academic Progress Rate (APR) Award for the Southland Conference on Wednesday, presented by he Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA).

"On behalf of the FCS ADA I want to congratulate those institutions that have excelled in APR this year,' said University of Montana Athletics Director and current FCS ADA President, Kent Haslam. "Student-athlete retention and eligibility are critical measures of our overall success in college athletics. There are many programs that excel both on the field and in the classroom, and it is an honor to recognize them.'

The FCS ADA APR Award recognizes one institution at each of the 13 FCS conferences that has the highest APR score. In addition, the Association also recognizes one institution from each conference that has improved the most from the previous year. The award for most improved in the SLC went to Houston Baptist University.

In 2003, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member colleges and universities adopted a comprehensive academic reform package designed to improve the academic success and graduation of all student-athletes. The centerpiece of the package is the academic measurement for teams, known as the Academic Progress Rate (APR). 

The following 24 institutions are being honored with the FCS ADA APR Award:
 
Conference Highest APR in 2018-19 Most Improved in 2018-19
Big Sky Conference                 California Poly                Southern Utah University
Big South Conference             Presbyterian College       Kennesaw State University
Colonial Athletic Association   Elon University                University at Albany
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conf.      North Carolina A&T         Norfolk State University
Missouri Valley FB Conf.         North Dakota State          Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Northeast Conference             Bryant University             Wagner College
Ohio Valley Conference          Murray State University   Murray State University
Patriot League                         Colgate University           Bucknell University
Pioneer Football League         University of Dayton         Davidson College
Southern Conference              Wofford College               UT Chattanooga
Southland Conference            U. of Central Arkansas   Houston Baptist University
Southwestern Athletic Conf.    Jackson State University  
The Ivy League                        Columbia University        Yale University