While many consider earning a bachelor’s degree to be difficult, the accomplishment becomes especially challenging and time-consuming for student-athletes. One motivated Lions baseball team pitcher stands out for demonstrating both athletic and academic excellence.
Left-handed pitcher Brandon “Buck” Bernard has been selected to receive Southland Conference’s ultimate academic honor, the F.L. McDonald Postgraduate Scholarship of $2,500.
“Buck’s a great example of showing that you can be a student and an athlete and excel at both,” said Jay Artigues, head baseball coach. “He does a great job of leading by example. I couldn’t think of a more deserving scholarship recipient than Buck.”
The award is presented annually to male and female letterwinners with the highest cumulative grade point averages. The award was established in the memory of Dr. F.L. McDonald, former president of Lamar University, who is considered one of the league’s founding fathers.
Out of the entire Southland Conference, which is composed of 10 universities and 13 men and women’s sports, three athletes were selected as recipients. Sheina Fernandes, an Oral Roberts volleyball student-athlete, and Sabrina Burns, a Stephen F. Austin volleyball student-athlete, were also selected.
While at a team practice and running on four hours of sleep, Bernard explained the challenge of time management in maintaining high standards of performance.
“Last night I went to bed at 4 a.m. because I had a final in the morning that I had to study for, and we didn’t get back from our game until 1:30 a.m. from South Alabama,” said Bernard. “You have time, and you can get everything done. You just can’t slack off and be lazy.”
Bernard will be graduating Saturday, May 18 with a bachelor of general studies degree and a 4.0 GPA. His athletic highlights include posting a 3.68 ERA with a 2-2 record, 12 starts and 27 strikeouts in the 2012 season.  
After studying for two years at Pearl River Community College, Bernard transferred to Southeastern in Fall 2011 to complete his degree and compete as a Lion.
“I came to Southeastern mainly for baseball,” said Bernard. “I had played before at Pearl River Community College, and I’d heard a lot of good things about Coach Artigues. I like the way he coaches, so I decided to come here, and I’m happy I did.”
Bernard grew up in Mississippi, far from his birthplace in Batesville, Ark. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in sports management at the University of Southern Mississippi. His dream is to work with sports teams but on the technical side of the fence.
“I’m going to try to get into either a minor baseball team or any professional athletics, and I want to work in the office portion of that and work my way up,” said Bernard. “I’m going to be working on maybe ticket sales or marketing the team.”
Bernard was unaware of the scholarship until Mary Kathryn Borland, advisor of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, informed him of his eligibility and helped him with the process.
“Ms. Mary Kathryn called me into her office and told me she had a scholarship that she could apply me for,” said Bernard. “She filled out everything for me and sent it in. A couple days later I heard that I’d won it.”
During the season he enjoys spending time with his teammates, and outside of the season he enjoys fishing.
“Buck’s a weekend starter for us, and he competes his tail off,” said Artigues. “He’s one of those guys you can go to and no matter what, he’s going to come through for you.”
Bernard will be traveling to the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas to receive the scholarship during the Southland Honors Ceremony on May 21.