Lindenwood University has completed another step on its way to becoming a full member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II. President James D. Evans, Ph.D., Athletics Director John Creer, and others were informed by the NCAA this afternoon that the school has been approved to advance to the second year of candidacy in the membership process.

“We are very pleased,” said Evans. “Our athletics department and many members of our faculty and staff have been working very hard on this transition.”

Evans said that in the past year, Lindenwood has taken “best practices” visits to NCAA Division I and Division II schools, increased staffing, and strengthened an already firm institutional commitment to compliance and the well-being of student-athletes.

Lindenwood has completed its transition to athletic scholarships, has fully implemented an active Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and has completed updates of the institution's compliance manual and student-athlete handbook. Lindenwood began following all NCAA rules on July 1, a full year ahead of schedule.

The NCAA Division II membership committee will vote next summer whether to move Lindenwood into a provisional year in 2012-13. Assuming all expectations are met in that provisional period, Lindenwood will become a full NCAA member in 2013-14.

Lindenwood will play as an independent this upcoming season after ending its 40-year association with the NAIA in May. The Lions and Lady Lions were recognized as one of the top five overall programs in the NAIA for 12 of the last 13 years, according to the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup standings.

Lindenwood will join the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) for most sports in 2012-13. The MIAA is one of the strongest conferences in NCAA Division II, and includes schools from Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.