SUNY Corning Community College has officially opened its new Athletics Study Center, strategically located just a few yards from the athletic fields and directly beneath the gymnasium. This facility is designed to provide essential academic support for student-athletes, reinforcing the college's commitment to their educational success.
Stacy Johnson, the college's director of athletic advancement and community outreach and a celebrated softball coach with over 750 career wins, emphasized the importance of the center's location. "Just like in real estate, location is key," she remarked, highlighting how the proximity to athletic facilities will facilitate student-athletes' access to academic resources.
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on August 31, Dr. Terence L. Finley, the president of Corning CC, expressed his dedication to supporting student-athletes academically. He stated, "We can ask them to do things, we can encourage them to do things, but when we actually invest in spaces and finances and resources for them, it really shows that we’re serious about this." This sentiment reflects a broader initiative within the college to prioritize the academic achievements of its athletes.
Marquis Tubbs, a member of the men's basketball team, had the honor of cutting the ribbon, eliciting cheers from attendees after a brief struggle with the oversized scissors. This moment marked the official opening of a space that many students, like Chloe Perritt, a sophomore softball player from Horseheads High, are eager to utilize. Perritt noted, "I think it’s a really great opportunity. Especially being a student, it’s really important to manage your time and work on schoolwork when you have the time to." She highlighted the challenges of balancing rigorous science courses with athletic commitments, making the new study center a valuable resource.
The center is equipped with amenities such as a microwave and lunch area, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration and academic growth among student-athletes. Dr. Finley, who began his presidency in November, has actively sought input from students and staff, with a focus on enhancing academic support for athletes. He reiterated the importance of academic success, stating, "What’s more important to me is we actually put winners in the classroom and that we win there. Because this is actually where the rest of your life starts."
Isaac Bushey, the athletic director at Corning CC, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the center embodies the vision for the Red Barons student-athlete experience. He stated, "We want our student-athletes to compete and succeed at a high level, but their responsibilities as students come first." This initiative aims to help student-athletes maintain their eligibility and work towards graduation, with some aspiring to continue their sports careers at four-year colleges.
Johnson, who has been a fixture at Corning CC for over three decades, underscored the significance of the new facility. "Student-athletes need to be students first, and this space will allow that," she remarked. The collaboration between faculty, the tutoring center, and student-athletes is essential for achieving academic goals, particularly for those with aspirations of obtaining scholarships at four-year institutions. The convenient location of the center allows for easy monitoring by coaches, ensuring that athletes are utilizing the resources available to them effectively.
Perritt, who commutes daily, shared her excitement about the center's opening, stating, "I find myself having an hour gap where I need somewhere to go. This is just the perfect place for me to go to work on my schoolwork while I wait to either go to practice or to go to my next class." The establishment of the Athletics Study Center marks a significant step forward in supporting the academic and athletic endeavors of SUNY Corning Community College's student-athletes.
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