As part of its comprehensive $2 billion, 15-year media rights agreement with ESPN, the Southeastern Conference has launched the SEC Academic Network, a web site promoting the classroom atmospheres and research efforts of all 12 conference-member institutions. SEC alumni, fans and current and prospective students worldwide can now learn about SEC academics in one place.
Schools have their own individual pages on the site, which launched with five short videos highlighting each campus. Clips now showing cover topics ranging from the origins of Gatorade at the University of Florida to how a University of Georgia chemistry professor uses instant messaging devices to facilitate the asking of questions in his classroom of 365 students. Each institution will add new videos throughout the academic year using ESPN360.com technology. "The commitment to highlight the accomplishments of SEC member institution academic programs was a key component of our new television agreements," states SEC commissioner Mike Slive in a news release. "We are grateful to ESPN for providing our institutions this technology, which had previously been utilized exclusively for athletic events." Adds Louisiana State University athletic director Joe Alleva, "We are excited that the Academic Network will give us an opportunity to grow the LSU brand in a new and dynamic manner."
Per the partnership, ESPN will also produce for each institution an annual Campus Connection telecast, in which students take part in the production; telecast two programs annually dedicated to the academic accomplishments of SEC student-athletes, as well as a weekly academic feature segment on ESPNU's SEC show; and select one undergraduate student from every SEC institution to participate in ESPN's summer internship program.
