The University of Evansville men's and women's cross country teams, women's golf team and women's basketball team have earned the annual NCAA Public Recognition Awards for compiling Academic Progress Rates (APR) that rank among the top 10 percent nationally.

Among Missouri Valley Conference schools, Evansville and Creighton University were the co-leaders in NCAA Public Recognition Awards with four teams earning the top 10 percent honor. Drake, Bradley and Southern Illinois had three teams qualify. This is the third consecutive year in which UE's men's cross country and women's basketball teams have earned the NCAA honor.  It's the second straight year for women's cross country and women's golf.

"The University is very proud that our student-athletes continue to receive national recognition for their academic achievements," said UE Director of Athletics John Stanley. "While our student-athletes have a strong desire to achieve success competitively, they do not lose sight of the primary objective of earning a college degree from the University of Evansville. It is very gratifying that we have consistently strong results in this regard."

The awards are based on results from the NCAA's most recent APR study, which ranks every sport at all 335 NCAA Division I schools.  Through the APR, the NCAA tracks classroom performance of every student-athlete on every Division I sports team by measuring eligibility and retention.  Penalties are imposed on the lowest performing teams.  The most recent APRs are multi-year rates based on scores from the 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 academic years.