LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Sullivan University has entered into a partnership with NASCAR driver Ben Rhodes, a Louisville native and resident who is currently enrolled at Sullivan University.
Rhodes, 21, a Holy Cross High School graduate who is studying in Sullivan’s HVAC-R Program, competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, driving the No. 41 ThorSport Racing Ford F-150. He is in the midst of a tremendous year, competing in the series playoffs. In July, Rhodes scored his second career victory at his home track, The Kentucky Speedway in Gallatin County.
“Ben is not only a tremendous driver, competitor and athlete, but he is also an outstanding person and student,” said Sullivan University System President Glenn Sullivan, a racing enthusiast. “We are honored to have Ben not only attend Sullivan but to represent the university in this new partnership agreement.”
“Even a professional athlete knows the importance of pursuing a career-focused education at Sullivan University,” President Sullivan said.
Under the agreement Rhodes will be featured on Sullivan social media platforms, relating the positive personal experience he continues to have by attending Sullivan, posting updates on his career and promoting the career and training opportunities available through a Sullivan University education.
An honor student who graduated high school with a 3.98 GPA, Rhodes said his parents have always stressed the importance of education and made clear they wanted him to pursue a college degree even while driving professionally on the NASCAR circuit.
“My parents wouldn’t let me race until I finished my homework,” said Rhodes, who began racing when he was just seven years old.
The HVAC business is not new to Rhodes. His father was in the HVAC business for over 20 years and has worked closely with Sullivan graduates.
“When I started to look at schools to study HVAC, the first place my dad recommended was Sullivan University,” Rhodes said. “I can’t race forever, so I wanted the best education I could find; and Sullivan offers everything I need.”
Sullivan’s flexible schedules allows Rhodes to take classes even while he’s on the road traveling to and from the NASCAR race tracks that are spread across the country.
“It’s great because my instructors have really helped me with my schedule,” Rhodes said. “After I race on the weekends I can take classes on campus on Monday and Tuesday and then I can take online classes and study while I’m on the road, sitting in airports or in my hotel.”
President Sullivan said Rhodes will be a tremendous ambassador and spokesman for Sullivan and on behalf of the benefits and flexibility of studying at a career-focused institution.
“Ben will be able to talk passionately about Sullivan University and all that we have to offer because he’s living it,” President Sullivan said. “There’s no better testimonial than that.”
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