51 min

Empowering ASU's Student-Athletes: A Deep Dive with Jean Boyd & Alonzo Jones Academic Survival

    • Self-Improvement

Student-Athlete Support System
In today's competitive world, student-athletes need a solid support system to help them manage the demands of both academics and sports. A successful support system should provide the necessary resources to help student-athletes succeed academically while also allowing them to excel in their sports. These may include academic tutors, mental health professionals, and physical trainers. Additionally, a support system should cater to the unique needs of each student-athlete, recognizing their personal strengths and weaknesses. Jean Boyd and Alonzo Jones discussed the importance of a holistic support system for student-athletes at Arizona State University. They shared how proactive measures, like providing tailored assistance in time management, study skills, and well-being, can help ensure a student-athlete's success. By focusing on individual student needs, they demonstrate their commitment to not only athletic but also academic success, leading to high retention and graduation rates for these students.
Balancing Multiple Roles and the Matrix of Decision Making
Managing multiple roles and identities, such as a student, athlete, and socialite, can be challenging for college students. Developing a sense of situational identity and understanding the different roles one has in different contexts can be a valuable tool for maintaining balance. The challenge lies in recognizing the legitimacy of each identity and making intentional and mindful decisions that align with one's values and goals while navigating various situations. Alonzo Jones introduces the concept of situational identity during the interview and emphasizes its importance for student-athletes. Both Boyd and Jones note that understanding and navigating these various roles can lead to success beyond sports and into leadership positions in any field. By replicating behaviors that contribute to their success, discarding habits that no longer serve them, and adopting new behaviors aligned with their goals, student-athletes can find balance in their lives.
Top Three Struggles for Student-Athletes
The top struggles student-athletes face are: (1) balancing the demands of athletics, academics, and personal relationships; (2) the incongruency of professional aspirations and academic demands; and (3) mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. To help mitigate these challenges, it is crucial for universities to provide resources and support systems that empower student-athletes to thrive academically, athletically, and personally.
Timestamped Episode Summary:
00:00:05 - Introduction,
Dr. Shandra McDonald introduces the podcast and the guests, Deputy Athletic Director Jean Boyd and Associate Athletic Director Alonzo Jones from Arizona State University, who discuss student-athlete support systems.

00:00:12 - Student Athlete Dropout Rates,
Stats show that 40% of students drop out of college every year, with nearly 30% dropping out in the first year. The guests aim to improve these stats.

00:00:39 - Name, Image, and Likeness,
With the era of athletes earning millions, why is the school part even necessary? Jean Boyd discusses student-athlete name, image, and likeness (Episode Teaser).

00:01:45 - Student-Athlete Support Systems,
Arizona State University creates a holistic support system for student-athletes, evaluating each individual's background, strengths, and weaknesses. The university provides structured time for study, one-on-one support for study and time management skills, and continually monitors attendance.

00:12:05 - Accompanying Onboarding Process,
The guests discuss the accompanying onboarding process for student-athletes, taking into account the mental and emotional challenges faced by...

Student-Athlete Support System
In today's competitive world, student-athletes need a solid support system to help them manage the demands of both academics and sports. A successful support system should provide the necessary resources to help student-athletes succeed academically while also allowing them to excel in their sports. These may include academic tutors, mental health professionals, and physical trainers. Additionally, a support system should cater to the unique needs of each student-athlete, recognizing their personal strengths and weaknesses. Jean Boyd and Alonzo Jones discussed the importance of a holistic support system for student-athletes at Arizona State University. They shared how proactive measures, like providing tailored assistance in time management, study skills, and well-being, can help ensure a student-athlete's success. By focusing on individual student needs, they demonstrate their commitment to not only athletic but also academic success, leading to high retention and graduation rates for these students.
Balancing Multiple Roles and the Matrix of Decision Making
Managing multiple roles and identities, such as a student, athlete, and socialite, can be challenging for college students. Developing a sense of situational identity and understanding the different roles one has in different contexts can be a valuable tool for maintaining balance. The challenge lies in recognizing the legitimacy of each identity and making intentional and mindful decisions that align with one's values and goals while navigating various situations. Alonzo Jones introduces the concept of situational identity during the interview and emphasizes its importance for student-athletes. Both Boyd and Jones note that understanding and navigating these various roles can lead to success beyond sports and into leadership positions in any field. By replicating behaviors that contribute to their success, discarding habits that no longer serve them, and adopting new behaviors aligned with their goals, student-athletes can find balance in their lives.
Top Three Struggles for Student-Athletes
The top struggles student-athletes face are: (1) balancing the demands of athletics, academics, and personal relationships; (2) the incongruency of professional aspirations and academic demands; and (3) mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. To help mitigate these challenges, it is crucial for universities to provide resources and support systems that empower student-athletes to thrive academically, athletically, and personally.
Timestamped Episode Summary:
00:00:05 - Introduction,
Dr. Shandra McDonald introduces the podcast and the guests, Deputy Athletic Director Jean Boyd and Associate Athletic Director Alonzo Jones from Arizona State University, who discuss student-athlete support systems.

00:00:12 - Student Athlete Dropout Rates,
Stats show that 40% of students drop out of college every year, with nearly 30% dropping out in the first year. The guests aim to improve these stats.

00:00:39 - Name, Image, and Likeness,
With the era of athletes earning millions, why is the school part even necessary? Jean Boyd discusses student-athlete name, image, and likeness (Episode Teaser).

00:01:45 - Student-Athlete Support Systems,
Arizona State University creates a holistic support system for student-athletes, evaluating each individual's background, strengths, and weaknesses. The university provides structured time for study, one-on-one support for study and time management skills, and continually monitors attendance.

00:12:05 - Accompanying Onboarding Process,
The guests discuss the accompanying onboarding process for student-athletes, taking into account the mental and emotional challenges faced by...

51 min