EDINBURG, Texas – The University of Texas-Pan American Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Thursday at a ribbon cutting ceremony at the on-campus Learning Assistant Center that the P.O.W.E.R. Center, where student-athletes receive academic assistance, is now open.
 
“When we are watching a volleyball match or a basketball game, we sometimes forget that the players are students. This facility is a powerful reminder that student-athletes are students, students who deserve the first-rate, high quality education that the faculty at The University of Texas-Pan American are providing them,” UTPA President Dr. Robert Nelsen said.
 
The P.O.W.E.R. center, which stands for Promotes Overall Wellness, Excellence and Responsibility, was renovated using a $40,000 grant from the NCAA Supplemental Support Fund.

"We would like to thank the NCAA for their support in this project. The P.O.W.E.R. Center will allow the Athletics Department and the Learning Assistance Center to better serve the academic needs of student-athletes and monitor the academic progress of student-athletes as they work towards their ultimate goal, graduation,” UTPA Director of Athletics Chris King said.
 
UTPA has 180 student-athletes, including approximately 80 freshmen and transfers, who are required to attend study hall and specially designed workshops that assist them in acclimating to college life and living away from home.

"Student-athletes live a busy life. Besides full-time study, they practice 15-to-20 hours per week, play their sport and must dedicate at least 10 hours each week to study hall. We are happy to be able to give them this P.O.W.E.R. Center to help ease the burden,” King said.
 
The team that worked on this project includes Associate Athletic Director of Student Services Angela Hubbard, Assistant Director of the Learning Assistance Center Terrie Garcia, Grant Writer for the College Assess and Support Program Felipe Salinas, Athletics Compliance Coordinator Andres Cantu, Project Manager for Facilities Marta Hovar-Salinas, Student Athlete Advisor of the Learning Assistance Center Amber Johnson and Executive Director of Student Support Services Richard Trevino.
 
“This was a true team effort and we're excited to be able to offer this facility to our student-athletes. This will help our student-athlete academic advisor, Amber Johnson, to be in an ideal position to monitor the study hall and be readily available to meet with student-athletes,” Trevino said.
 
The University of Texas-Pan American Department of Intercollegiate Athletics competes at the NCAA Division I classification. UTPA, formerly known as Pan American College and Pan American University, is a part of the University of Texas System of Schools. The Broncs compete in 14 varsity sports; men's and women's basketball, golf, tennis, track and field, and cross country, along with women's volleyball and men's baseball. In 1963, then known as Pan American College, the Broncs men's basketball program won the NAIA National Championship with a 73-62 victory over Western Carolina. In 2008, UTPA joined the new all-sports division of the Great West Conference.