Dr. Devin Stephenson's Statement Regarding NJCAA Inquiry Response

Three Rivers Community College - Poplar Bluff, Missouri

August 13, 2009

The National Junior College Athletic Association has completed its review of the athletic programs at Three Rivers and issued its findings to the College.

                Mary Ellen Leicht, Executive Director of NJCAA, notified me yesterday that the NJCAA review is complete and the Association has cited four violations in the program:

1.       The purchase of insurance for athletes prior to 2007-2008.

2.      The payment of dental expenses for athletes by the College.

3.        Payment of tuition at another institution.

4.       Payment of an athlete's transportation costs to and from the College more than one time in an academic year.

Executive Director Leicht notes in her letter that the violations occurred between 2005 and 2008, and that Three Rivers has taken action to prevent such violations in the future. However, the College will be subject to three sanctions from NJCAA:

1.       All Three Rivers sports program will undergo mandatory audits - including eligibility audits for each sport - for the current 2009-2010 academic year.

2.      The Three Rivers men's basketball program will undergo an additional audit during the 2010-2011 academic year.

3.       The men's basketball program will be limited to nine (9) individuals to receive athletic aid for 2010-2011 and 2011-2012.

On behalf of the College, I plan to appeal to the NJCAA for additional review due to what I believe to be a factual error in at least one of their noted violations.  Additionally, I will be requesting another review of the sanctions, based upon this error.

Throughout the review process, the administration and staff at Three Rivers have worked cooperatively with NJCAA. Director Leicht stated in her letter that she appreciated the "cooperation and willingness" of the College to assist NJCAA. We have acted quickly to correct any noted problems in the audit and to comply fully with NJCAA bylaws and policies.

Reviews such as this are learning experiences for all colleges.  We use audits, reviews, evaluations, and assessments to improve the educational experiences of our students and to become more efficient in our administrative and management operations. We will continue to work to remain compliant with all bylaws and policies of the NJCAA.