Concordia University Irvine Advances in NCAA Division II Membership Process
Concordia positioned to be the only NCAA Division II School in Orange County
IRVINE, Calif. – July 15, 2016 – The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has advanced Concordia University Irvine to year three—the final year—of the NCAA DII (Division II) Membership process, Concordia announced today. Concordia University Irvine will continue toward full membership in 2017-18 making it the only NCAA DII school in Orange County if approved by the NCAA.
Last July, Concordia University Irvine was accepted into and began competing as a Provisional Member of the PacWest (Pacific West) Conference and the NCAA Division II. This past season, Eagle’s men’s basketball tied for first place, while the Eagles overall finished seventh in the PacWest Commissioner’s Cup. PacWest Conference schools include Azusa Pacific University, California Baptist University, Fresno Pacific University, and Point Loma Nazarene University, as well as institutions in Hawaii, the Bay Area, and Southern Utah. The PacWest falls within the NCAA Division II West Region, along with the California Collegiate Athletic Association and Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
Consistent growth in enrollment and financial stability at Concordia University Irvine, as well as notability in athletics, and academic honors and achievements, have positioned Concordia University Irvine to pursue NCAA Division II membership.
“We believe that the NCAA Division II model is an excellent fit with our Lutheran heritage, our core values, and our approach to educating the whole person,” said Concordia University Irvine President Kurt Krueger. “Advancing in the Division II acceptance process is a testament to the quality of our University’s faculty, staff, and overall educational experience.”
A balanced emphasis on academic excellence and athletic achievement make NCAA Division II colleges and universities attractive to student-athletes. With seasons not played year-long, student-athletes are able to take part in campus life, do well academically, and foster relationships in the community while undertaking their athletic pursuits, according to the NCAA.
“Concordia Athletics strives to be a national-level program,” said Concordia University Irvine Athletic Director Mo Roberson. “With an athletics program known for outstanding graduation rates and academic honors, combined with a school committed to integrity and the well-being of the student-athlete, joining the NCAA benefits everyone.” This marks the second university that Roberson is helping to transition into NCAA DII membership. Roberson was part of a team at California Baptist University in Riverside that spearheaded the transition from NAIA into NCAA DII.
The NCAA is the governing body of athletic programs at more than 1,200 higher education institutions in the United States. NCAA Division II is made up of 300 colleges and universities in 44 states. A high championship participant ratio—the highest among all three NCAA Divisions—is credited to an emphasis on regional competition which helps student-athletes reduce missed class times. Colleges and universities seeking to become NCAA Division II members must complete a three-year membership process before becoming active and eligible for championship competition.
Concordia University Irvine has 20 varsity sports and approximately 450 student-athletes who currently participate in its athletic program. Prior to pursuing NCAA DII membership, Concordia University Irvine was a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Over the last five years, Concordia University Irvine has won five NAIA National Championship Titles in baseball, men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, men’s volleyball and, most recently, softball in 2013.
NCAA Transition Timeline
About Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine is a private non-profit Lutheran Christian liberal arts four-year university that prepares students for their vocations—their calling in life. Concordia offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in education, nursing, theology, business, and athletic administration. Concordia University Irvine’s undergraduate program is distinctive because of its nationally recognized core curriculum, Enduring Questions & Ideas, and its Lutheran heritage that provides a thoughtful and caring Christian community that lives out the theology of "Grace Alone. Faith Alone." Concordia is a U.S. News Top Tier Regional University and has been named by The Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the fastest growing private nonprofit master's institutions. Marking its 40th anniversary this year, the university enrolls over 4,000 students annually and is in year three of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Membership Process.
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