Fresno State Athletics
Academic Advisor Sanders Works for Bulldogs' Eligibility, Graduation
6/15/2005 12:00:00 AM | General
June 15, 2005
FRESNO, Calif. - Eric Sanders' role in the "student" part of student-athlete is similar to that of a coaches' role in the "athlete" part. While coaches prepare their athletes for competition on the field, Sanders prepares them for success in the classroom.
As Fresno State's academic advisor for the sports of softball, volleyball, men's basketball, equestrian, and women's track, Sanders' main duties include the responsibility for the academics growth and enrichment of student-athletes. He also is involved in ensuring that student-athletes remain NCAA eligible as well as coordinating the data that goes into the annual Academic Progress Rate (APR), the NCAA report in which Fresno State recently ranked among the best schools in the Western Athletic Conference in all sports.
Sanders is currently in his fifth year with the Fresno State Student-Athlete Services department. Before joining the Bulldogs' staff in 2000, Sanders was the dean of students and assistant football coach at James A. Shanks High School in Quincy, Fla., from 1997-2000. From 1990-97, he was an academics counselor in the office of student life at the University of Florida. While at Florida, Sanders worked with standouts Kevin Carter, Javon Kearse, Ike Hilliard, and 1996 Heisman trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, all of whom went on to play in the NFL.
Born in Tuskegee, Ala., Sanders grew up in Florida. He graduated from Duke University in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. While at Duke, he was a fullback on the Blue Devils' football team. He later obtained a master's degree in sports administration in 1994.
Bulldog head football coach Pat Hill lured Sanders to Fresno State after recommending him for the job, Sanders said.
Part of his interaction with student-athletes is the basic planning of their college career.
"My job is to map out their time here at Fresno State and determine the best strategies for success," Sanders said. "I assist in the selection of classes and ensuring progression towards a degree."
Sanders' strategy for accomplishing his mission is simply put.
"Patience with all those involved is a necessity in this job," he said. "With a goal in mind, patience allows us to be successful."
Work weeks involving 50 or more hours on the job are common for Sanders, who admits that he is constantly working. Even the summer months do not slow down for him, as he oversees the summer school involvement of student-athletes in addition to his already long list of responsibilities.
"Academic advisors are an umbrella," said Kelly Paramo, a learning assistance specialist who works with Sanders. "People might think that all we have to do is help the student-athletes pick classes, when in reality our jobs cover so many aspects of the student-athletes' experiences, from advising to life skills to academic support to personal counseling and beyond. Another thing that people do not realize is exactly how detail-oriented and complex this job can be. The NCAA rulebook is two inches thick, and the academic advisors must stay abreast of any changes to the legislation, which can be very stressful and overwhelming. Eric has a good knowledge base, and good experience that we all tap into from time to time."
Sanders said that his experiences as a student-athlete in college assist him with the various duties of his job.
"I feel sympathetic towards the student-athletes because I've been there and know what they are going through," Sanders said. "It is also easier for me to help them bridge that gap from high school to college because of my previous experiences working with student-athletes at different ages."
Student-athletes appreciate the multi-faceted help Sanders has given them while attending Fresno State.
"Eric has helped me in so many ways throughout my career at Fresno State," former softball pitcher Amanda Wolf said. "When our team played on the road, he would get in touch with my teachers and help me get caught up with what I had missed. He has even helped me look for a job."
Just like a coach feels some satisfaction when a member of his or her team earns recognition for achievement in sport, Sanders said he feels some fulfillment when a student-athlete receives academic honors.
"I do feel a little fulfillment when someone is recognized with an academic award," he said. "However, I can't really take any credit for it because the student-athletes are the ones who go to class and do the work. I just help them plan their path."
Sanders said the most enjoyable part of his job is the interaction with student-athletes.
"I really enjoy working with the student-athletes and getting to know them as people. Everyone else sees them on the playing field as athletes, but I am able to form a more personal relationship with them," Sanders said.
Student-athletes seem to enjoy the relationships they form with Sanders as well.
"Eric always has time for us and always has a smile on his face," Wolf said. "He is very approachable. He is so fun to be around because he kids and jokes all the time. His constant encouragement has helped me reach my goals."
"Eric has a strong presence, but is a gentle soul. He truly cares about students and people," said Paramo. "Many times, I will see student-athletes in his office just casually interacting with him, which helps to build rapport and trust with the students and helps the advisor better serve them as he knows them better."
Sanders, who resides in Kingsburg, Calif., with his wife Lori, said that the staff and student-athletes at Fresno State are some of the most unforgettable people he has ever worked with.
"The people I work with are so personable and down-to-earth, and that makes my experiences here so much more memorable," Sanders said.
It's clear that others he works with think the same of him.
"Eric is awesome," Fresno State softball head coach Margie Wright said. "He is always ahead of the game and pays attention to details. I am so thankful that he is a part of our program. He is just a wonderful man."
"Eric is a person of great character. He has the best interests of our student-athletes in mind at all times," Paramo said. "He is hardworking, diligent, extremely conscientious and gets along well with almost anyone. And he's funny, which is sometimes just what we all need around here."
