When it comes to the academic success of student-athletes, there are no brighter beacons on West Virginia Univerisity’s campus than those at the College of Business and Economics.

The Big 12 Conference announced its list of 41 student-athletes that had been named to the 2016 Academic All-Big 12 At-Large Team earlier this month, and WVU had a conference-best 13. Of those 13, seven study at B&E. Additionally, another B&E student-athlete was named a WVU Foundation Outstanding Senior.

Among the seven students receiving Big 12 academic honors are year men’s soccer player Felix Angerer, a junior business major from Bayreuth, Germany; Jad Arslan, men’s soccer, a sophomore business major from Roswell, Georgia; Mike Desiderio, men’s soccer, a junior management major from Media, Pennsylvania; Jack Elliott, men’s soccer, a senior management information systems major from London, England; Elizabeth Gratz (4.00 GPA), rifle, a sophomore marketing major from Sigel, Illinois; Zak Leedom, men’s soccer, a senior finance major from Hilliard, Ohio; and Garrett Spurgeon, a senior accounting major from Canton, Missouri.

“It’s always nice for the team to earn academic awards, as our staff puts a great deal of importance on academics,” WVU rifle coach Jon Hammond said. “They are students first and are here to study and earn their degrees. (These) honors are a great testament to their hard work.”

“Our players are to once again be commended for continuing to achieve at the highest level academically,” WVU men’s soccer coach Marlon LeBlanc said. “Our program continues to honor the true meaning of ‘student-athlete’ by the commitment of all those that support them daily in their academic endeavors.”

To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of their team’s scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation also are eligible.

Senior accounting major Hannah Shreve was named a WVU Foundation Outstanding Senior earlier this month. A native of Charleston, West Virginia, Shreve became the first West Virginia native in a decade to play volleyball for the Mountaineers when she joined the squad in 2013. She was named to the 2015 Big 12 All-Academic Volleyball team and earned the Big 12’s Dr. Gerald Lage Award in March. Shreve has also earned mention on the Garrett Ford Academic Honor Roll, Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and Big 12 All-Rookie Team. She plans to seek a master’s degree while playing for WVU next season.

Established in 1995, the Outstanding Seniors award recognizes students for their scholarship, leadership and service.

“Hannah is a tremendous representation of this state and the volleyball program,” volleyball coach Reed Sunahara said. “Her ability to not only balance academics and athletics, but also succeed at both, is outstanding. She epitomizes what it means to be a Mountaineer.”