LAKE CHARLES – For the sixth year in a row, McNeese Athletics posted an all-time high in academic achievement when on Wednesday, the NCAA released its Graduation Success Rate (GSR) report.
 
In the report, McNeese recorded a record by graduating 84 percent of is student-athletes for the 2012 cohort (2009-12). Last year, McNeese's GSR was 83 percent (2008-11), and 81 percent two years ago (2007-10).
 
Since the NCAA began releasing the GSR numbers, McNeese has seen its rate climb from 58 percent to the current mark of 84 percent, and has increased in 11 of the past 15 years.
 
From 2006-2012, McNeese's GSR increased 18 points from 66 to 84.
 
"I am extremely proud of the hard work our student-athletes, coaches, academic staff, and especially with our Compliance and Academic Services departments led by Alex Haley, Sandy Rodriguez, Bridget Martin and Penny Brown," said Director of Athletics Bruce Hemphill. "These numbers prove that McNeese student-athletes are working extremely hard in the classroom while also winning on the field of competition. This is a testament to the hard work by everyone involved."
 
McNeese's 84 percent is ranked as the second-highest in the Southland Conference with UIW, also at 84 percent. Houston Baptist led the way with 86 percent.
 
The Cowboys' and Cowgirls' basketball teams as well as women's tennis each posted a rate of 100. Softball had a GSR of 95, women's cross country and baseball each with 93, and women's golf a 92.
 
In addition, McNeese posted the highest mark among University of Louisiana System schools and ranked third overall in the state behind Tulane (95) and LSU (89).
 
The GSR was created in 2002 while this year's GSR reflects the six-year graduation rates for college athletes who entered school in 2012.