PEORIA, Ill. ? Neci Charleston has been named the Academic Coordinator for Basketball, announced by Bradley Athletics Thursday. She will work with the men's and women's basketball teams as an academic advisor for both programs.

A 2003 graduate of Hampton University, Charleston earned her master's degree in sports management from the University of Arkansas in 2005. She comes to The Hilltop after spending the last year working as a counselor at Dayspring Behavioral Health Services in Monticello, Ark., where she was a counselor for at-risk youth.

"We are pleased to welcome Neci to our staff," Executive Athletic Director Virnette House-Browning said. "She comes to BU with demonstrated experience and a keen understanding of the demands our student-athletes face in effectively balancing their academic and athletic responsibilities. Equally as important, she has a genuine passion for working with student-athletes. In turn, she values her significant role in assisting their efforts to achieve in the classroom, earn their degree and to prepare for life beyond athletics."

Prior to her work at Dayspring Behavioral Health Services, Charleston taught math at ARISE Charter School in Monticello, Ark.

No stranger to athletics, she was a team manager with the men's basketball team at Hampton as an undergraduate student and worked as an administrative assistant and recruiting manager with the men's basketball team at Arkansas while pursuing her master's degree.