Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia joined with the eleven other Southeastern Conference institutions today to launch the SEC Academic Network-a Web site (www.secacademicnetwork.com) designed to promote academic endeavors of SEC universities-that is being established by the SEC in partnership with ESPN and the member universities.
“A focus on the quality and variety of the SEC’s academic and service endeavors was important to my fellow presidents and me during the negotiation of this landmark contract with ESPN,” said UGA President Michael F. Adams.”The launch of the SEC Academic Network website with ESPN 360 is an opportunity for us to tell the story of how our institutions are having a direct and positive impact on this region and the world.”
“Every day I see the quality of people and programs that are on the University of Georgia campus,” said UGA Athletic Director Damon Evans. “The SEC Academic Network will illustrate to the rest of the country this excellence.”
The Academic Network, developed using technology and coordination from ESPN Digital Media and Origin Digital, will feature content from every institution ranging from research, innovation and economic development to community partnerships, civic engagement and service.
“The commitment to highlight the accomplishments of SEC member institution academic programs was a key component of our new television agreements,” said SEC Commissioner Mike Slive.”We are grateful to ESPN for bringing the expertise and tools they use in sports media to our institutions in support of academic pursuits.”
The website, www.secacademicnetwork.com was launched today.
“This network will provide our twelve institutions with the ability to create and distribute academic and other non‑athletic programming throughout the world on a regular and full‑time basis,” said Slive.
On the website, each institution has its own page that includes videos categorized by topic.Alumni, fans and students worldwide now have the ability in one place to learn more about SEC academics through video features that are posted by the league institutions.
The Academic Network is a component of the SEC’s 15-year television package with ESPN, which is the most comprehensive in the history of intercollegiate athletics. Also part of ESPN’s commitment to SEC academic programs are production of an annual Campus Connection telecast at each SEC institution, in which students take part in the production; telecasts of two programs annually dedicated to the academic accomplishments of SEC student-athletes; a weekly academic feature segment on ESPNU’s SEC show; and selection of one undergraduate student from every SEC institution to participate in ESPN’s summer internship program.