The application for membership to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association from Lincoln University of Missouri has been approved by the conference’s governing bodies, effective for the 2010-11 academic year.
The MIAA’s 33-member Institutional Representatives Council recommended to the Conference’s Chief Executive Officers Council that LU’s application be approved. That balloting occurred during the week of Jan. 19. The CEO Council, unanimously voted to accept the IR Council recommendation and approve the application from Lincoln.
Lincoln, Jefferson City, LU fields teams in 11 sports — men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s track and field, baseball, softball, football, women’s tennis and women’s cross country.
In a statement released by the MIAA’s CEO Council, Dr Jerry Farley said, “We are pleased to welcome Lincoln University back to the MIAA…the MIAA is arguably the strongest Division II conference in the nation. Lincoln will only add to our reputation.”
The Blue Tigers have grown to become a power in women’s track & field. Lincoln won five straight NCAA Division II championships outdoors from 2003-07, and indoor titles in 2004 and 2006.
LU had been a member of the MIAA from 1970-99, forfeiting membership when it appeared the school would not be prepared to field a varsity football program by the 2000-01 academic year. It had dropped the sport after the 1989 season, and remained a conference member until the MIAA passed legislation in 1997 requiring all members to participate in the sport of football by 2000-01.