The Dallas Baptist University athletic department clinched the 2017-18 Heartland Academic Award of Excellence with a grade point average of 3.39.  The Patriots' GPA sets a new record for the Heartland Conference, besting the previous high held by Newman University (3.33) in 2014-15.  It also marks the first time since 2009-10 that DBU has claimed the conference's top GPA.

"This is a true testament to our wonderful student-athletes and coaches and their commitment to academic excellence," DBU Director of Athletics Connor Smith said.
 
DBU also took home the Women's Academic Award of Excellence with a 3.61 GPA. The Lady Patriots' 3.61 GPA among women's teams demolished the old conference record of 3.49, which was previously set last year by Lubbock Christian.  It also marks the highest GPA by either a men's or women's program in the history of the award.

St. Edward's won the Men's Academic Award of Excellence with a combined men's grade point average of 3.31.
 
"The Heartland Conference and our institutions have always taken great pride in academic excellence. Our student-athletes have proven this once again by earning one of the highest conference GPAs in conference history," said Heartland Conference Commissioner Tony Stigliano. "I would also like to congratulate DBU on winning its first Academic Award of Excellence since 2010."
 
Overall Heartland Conference student-athletes sported a 3.22 grade point average eclipsing last year's mark of 3.19.