NCAA Full Press Release
 
BALTIMORE, Md. — Morgan State University Athletics has been awarded a $100,000 Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) grant from the NCAA to launch an innovative initiative that enhances academic support and student-athlete success through artificial intelligence.

The project, "Enhancing Student-Athlete Academic Success Through AI-Enhanced Chatbot Technology Integration," will introduce an AI-powered digital engagement strategy that provides student-athletes with timely, personalized and scalable access to academic resources and support.

The initiative will place particular emphasis on freshman and transfer student-athletes, recognizing the unique academic and personal transitions that accompany the first year of college and the adjustment to a new institution. Through AI-enhanced technology, student-athletes will have access to real-time guidance and connections to resources related to academic readiness, advising, eligibility, wellness and other essential components of the collegiate experience.

"This is about meeting student-athletes at the intersection of technology, support and opportunity," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Dena Freeman-Patton. "We are committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience and preparing them to be competitive globally. This grant plants the seed for future growth in this field." 

The initiative represents a forward-looking approach to student-athlete engagement, providing an additional point of access to support and resources beyond traditional, appointment-based interactions. The technology will complement Morgan's existing academic-support infrastructure by helping student-athletes navigate University resources and connect with the appropriate academic support personnel and campus partners when assistance is needed.

The grant builds upon Morgan State Athletics' continued commitment to academic excellence. In 2025, all 16 Morgan varsity programs collectively achieved a record-high single-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) of 988, reflecting the department's continued emphasis on academic achievement and student-athlete success.

Building on that momentum, the AASP initiative will use technology to encourage proactive engagement and help student-athletes navigate the academic demands of collegiate athletics—particularly during critical transition points that can influence academic progress, eligibility and retention.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Morgan's ability to identify opportunities for early engagement, improve access to academic resources, support eligibility and retention, and help more student-athletes successfully progress toward degree completion.

As Morgan State continues to advance its academic and athletic programs, the AI-enhanced chatbot initiative represents another step toward a more connected, responsive, and student-centered approach to supporting student-athletes.
 
Committee Members
Dr. David  Wilson, President
Dena Freeman-Patton, VP/Director of Athletics
Timothy Summers, Vice President & Chief Information Officer
Kim Ross-Watkins, Associate AD - Academic Support
Braennan Farrar, Assistant AD - Compliance
Dr. Ernest Brevard, Assistant VP - Enrollment Management
Keshia Campbell, Sr. Associate AD - Student Success
Marvin Cornish, Assistant AD - Student Success
Dr. LaToya Vice-Dodd, Embedded Counselor
Damon Wilson, Head Coach - Football
Neville Hodge, Head Coach - XC/Track and Field
Kenneth Monday, Head Coach - Wrestling
 
Co-Chairs
Dr. Thurman Bridges, Faculty Athletics Representative
Dr. Ryan Maltese, Vice President for Student Academic Success and Completion
Erlease Wagner, Deputy AD/SWA

 

ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 baccalaureate, master's degree, doctorate and certificate programs. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.