ESPN provides Web showcase for SEC universities to focus on academics

August 24, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida has joined with the 11 other Southeastern Conference institutions in launching the SEC Academic Network, a Web site designed to promote academic and research endeavors of SEC universities that is being established by the SEC in partnership with ESPN and the member universities.

UF President Bernie Machen announced the initiative at Wednesday’s University of Florida Joint Civic Club Luncheon, where he and Athletic Director Jeremy Foley spoke about its benefits.

“This truly keeps the ‘student’ in ‘student-athlete,’ and I know Jeremy Foley is as excited about it as I am,” Machen said.

The Academic Network, developed with technology and coordination from ESPN Digital Media and Origin Digital, features content from every institution ranging from research, innovation and economic development to community partnerships, civic engagement and service.

Visitors to UF’s page will find videos demonstrating research highlights, including a massive hurricane simulator, air-cooled shoulder pads for football players, a robotic car and, of course, Gatorade.

“The commitment to highlight the accomplishments of SEC member institution academic programs was a key component of our new television agreements,” SEC Commissioner Mike Slive said. “We are grateful to ESPN bringing the expertise and tools they use in sports media to our institutions in support of academic pursuits.”

The Web site, was launched last week.

“This network will provide our 12 institutions with the ability to create and distribute academic and other nonathletic programming throughout the world on a regular and full time basis,” Slive said.

On the Web site, each institution has its own page that includes videos categorized by topic. Alumni, fans and students worldwide now have the ability in one place to learn more about SEC academics through video features that are posted by the league institutions.

The Academic Network is a component of the SEC’s 15-year television package with ESPN, which is the most comprehensive in the history of intercollegiate athletics. Also part of ESPN’s commitment to SEC academic programs is the production of an annual Campus Connection telecast at each SEC institution, in which students take part in the production; telecasts of two programs annually dedicated to the academic accomplishments of SEC student-athletes; a weekly academic feature segment on ESPNU’s SEC show; and selection of one undergraduate student from every SEC institution to participate in ESPN’s summer internship program.