Arthur Ashe Jr. 2005 Sports Scholar

Black Issues in Higher Education, April 7, 2005

Black Issues In Higher Education established the Sports Scholars Awards to honor undergraduate students of color who have made achieving both academically and athletically a winning combination.

Inspired by tennis legend Arthur Ashe Jr.'s commitment to education as well as his love for the game of tennis, we invite every college and university in the country to participate in this annual awards program by nominating their outstanding sports scholars. In addition to their athletic ability, Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars must exhibit academic excellence and community activism.

To be included, students have to compete in an intercollegiate sport; maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.2; and be active on their campuses or in their communities.

The following pages feature student-athletes who are charging ahead with academics and athletics. Two of these scholar-athletes--track and field athlete Sharonda Latrice Johnson of the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and basketball guard Chris Hill of Michigan State University--were selected by the editors as Sports Scholars of the Year for best exemplifying the standards of scholarship, athleticism and humanitarianism.

Black Issues In Higher Education honors Arthur Ashe Jr. by recognizing these student-athletes and salutes Sharonda and Chris and all of the 2005 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars.

The honorees are listed alphabetically and within teams starting on page 40.