TOLEDO, Ohio – Six student-athletes shared dinner and conversation with Dr. Mitchell McKinney, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at The University of Toledo, at the Maumee Bay Brew Pub in the most recent edition of "Dining with the Deans" on Oct. 2.

"Dining with the Deans" is an event hosted by the Student-Athlete Support Services Office that allows Rocket student-athletes to meet with University deans and administrators over dinner.

Joining McKinney and the student-athletes at the dinner were Vice President and Director of Athletics Bryan B. Blair, Deputy Athletic Director/Chief Operating Officer Nicole Harris, Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Experience Jillian Lehman, Faculty Athletics Representative Kim Nigem, and Director of Student-Athlete Development Traci Snyder.

"It was an absolute pleasure to spend time with our remarkable student-athletes," said McKinney. "Their dedication, discipline, and leadership—both on and off the field—exemplify the very best of our University. They are not only champions in competition, but also outstanding ambassadors of UToledo, representing our values with integrity, excellence, and Rocket pride."

The six student-athletes who attended the dinner were Eva Cole (Women's Basketball/Nursing), Valeria Lizcano (Women's Golf/Economics), Grace O'Malley (Softball/AYA Education), Gracie Pardue (Swimming & Diving/Accounting and Spanish), Charlie Snow (Men's Tennis/Finance) and Thomas Zsiros (Football/Business).

"I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to interact with the leadership of our university and learn the details of their journeys from college student to professional life," said Pardue. "They truly wanted to receive feedback on our experience as student-athletes thus far and were very open to answering questions we had about being successful professionals."

"Meeting Dr. McKinney was a pleasure, as we shared our stories and connected on many points," said Zsiros. "He provided clarity on our academic concerns as student-athletes. Welcoming him to the 419 was an honor, and I'm confident he has our best interests at heart. He will help achieve great things at Toledo."

"Dining with the Deans" is entering its fourth year and has now included 72 total student-athletes in 11 dinners with University leaders.