VERMILLION, S.D.—South Dakota track and field athlete Jessie Sullivan has been awarded an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship for his dedication in the classroom and on the track. Sullivan will receive a one-time $10,000 scholarship to be used for postgraduate study.
 
The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship program was created in 1964 to promote and encourage postgraduate education by awarding the Association's most accomplished student-athletes. The NCAA awards 126 scholarships across all sports and divisions each year. Awardees must carry a minimum 3.2 grade-point average, be nominated by the faculty athletics representative and intend to pursue graduate studies.
 
"I am honored to have been selected as a recipient of an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship," said Sullivan. "I take pride in receiving an award that recognizes not only my athletic performances, but also academic achievements. This could not be done without the help of the athletic department, my professors, advisors, friends and family. I would like to thank Dr. Jessica Messersmith, Sarah Wittmuss and Dr. Rick Wang for their help with the application process. A special thanks to my coach A.G. Kruger, who contributed to my application, helped me develop as a track and field athlete and supported me throughout my academic journey. I look forward to representing USD and the NCAA as I continue my academic career at the University of Nebraska Medical Center."
 
Sullivan joins 32 other Coyotes who have received this scholarship, 21 of which were also members of the Coyote track and field program. Sullivan is USD's first indoor track and field recipient.
 
"The intent of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship is to recognize those rare student-athletes who excel on the field of play, but also who pursue, to the highest caliber, academic and intellectual activities," said South Dakota's faculty athletics representative Jessica Messersmith. "Jessie is one of these rare individuals. He's a person who will work harder, achieve more and exceed expectations in every endeavor placed before him. We are fortunate to have Jessie as a USD Coyote. We are proud of all that he has accomplished and all that he will accomplish in his future."
 
Sullivan was the 2021 Summit League Scholar Athlete of the Year, the most prestigious individual award presented annually by the league to one male and one female. Sullivan is a two-time Summit League Champion in the discus and a six-time all-league honoree. He broke the South Dakota program record in the hammer throw at the Summit Championships two weeks ago.
 
"This award could not go to a more deserving person," said USD throws coach A.G. Kruger. "His journey from a walk-on to a Summit League champion and Scholar Athlete of the Year speaks to his drive and academic prowess. He will make an amazing doctor in whatever specialty he wants. Our staff is proud of Jessie. He is a great representative of what a Coyote is and can be."
 
A native of Albion, Nebraska, Sullivan qualified for the NCAA West Preliminary in the discus and hammer throw for the second-straight season. He's a four-time USTFCCCA All-Academic honoree and has made four Summit League All-Academic teams to date. In addition to the school record in the hammer throw, he ranks in the top-five of USD history for the weight throw, discus, and both the indoor and outdoor shot put. He's been named to the Summit League Commissioner's List of Academic Excellence and the Summit League honor roll throughout his career.
 
Sullivan graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in chemistry while carrying a perfect undergraduate GPA of 4.00. He plans to attend UNMC in Omaha, Nebraska, next year.