Lindenwood University President James D. Evans, PhD, was notified today that the institution had successfully completed its three-year candidacy period to join the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Lindenwood will officially become an active member of the NCAA Division II on September 1, 2013.
Evans was thrilled to receive the news and commented on its significance.
"Successful completion NCAA Division II candidacy is a great milestone in the long history of this university. Not only does it signify that our varsity sports have advanced to a new level of prominence, but it also enhances overall spirit and pride at our St. Charles campus. Most importantly, Division II membership brings many developmental and academic benefits to our students, for whom all of our initiatives are undertaken."
Athletics Director
John Creer said he was pleased and very proud of the accomplishment.
"It truly is a very significant achievement which will bring tremendous benefits to the entire University," Creer said. "This news is the culmination of the vision of President Evans and the Board of Directors. The dedication and hard work of the athletics staff and coaches toward developing a top-tier DII program has been the focus for four years.
"The biggest winners are our student-athletes, who will enjoy great competition and participate in all the opportunities that NCAA II membership provides, both athletically and academically."
The Lindenwood University athletics department began the NCAA process four years ago with an exploratory committee studying the university's athletics affiliation. A decision was made to apply to NCAA Division II, and three years ago today Lindenwood University was accepted as a candidate.
For the first two year of the candidacy process, Lindenwood developed processes and began converting to athletic scholarships. In addition, the university made application to, and was welcomed by, the MIAA conference.
In year two, the athletics department began implementing and testing its processes developed in the first year, and began participating in the MIAA.
In the third year as a provisional member of the NCAA, the institution followed all NCAA regulations and participated in the MIAA.
As a full, active member of NCAA Division II, the Lions are now eligible to compete in postseason competition.
During the past three years, Lindenwood's athletics has grown. It has increased its athletics staff, and improved facilities—a new $9 million Student-Athlete Center opened in the fall of 2012.
Lindenwood had a very successful transition as it went from the NAIA to the NCAA level. Last season in the MIAA, Lindenwood won a conference regular season and tournament championship in the sport of men's soccer. Both the men's basketball and football teams finished fourth or better in the conference standings and the football team earned a postseason berth in the Mineral Water Bowl. On the women's side, the women's lacrosse team has already won two conference championships and the women's hockey program, which competes mostly against NCAA Division I programs, has regular season wins over big-time programs such as Syracuse and Penn State.
Lindenwood is now one of the largest NCAA Division II athletics departments with 27 sports programs. It will compete for NCAA Division II National Championships in 24 sports, while the other three compete against mostly NCAA Division I programs at the National Collegiate level. Nineteen sports programs are a member of the MIAA, while the other eight programs compete in various other conferences or as independents.
"My congratulations to Lindenwood University for successfully completing this arduous NCAA Division II membership process," said MIAA Commissioner Dr. Bob Boerigter. "The MIAA is pleased to have Lindenwood as full members and now anticipate the Lions' teams being fully capable of qualifying for both MIAA and NCAA post-season tournaments."
