One St. Louis area university athletic program could soon be making the move from the NAIA to the NCAA. On Friday, the Board of Directors of Lindenwood University in St. Charles put the wheels in motion to make the transition from the NAIA to Division II of the NCAA.
For Lindenwood, this is going to be a waiting game. Athletic Director John Creer said the university should know by July 1st, whether it would be accepted into candidacy. After that, Lindenwood would stay in the NAIA for two more years. In 2012, the Lions would be a provisonal member of the NCAA. The next year, the NCAA would vote whether or not to accept Lindenwood as an active member.
This process was started last summer, when a committee made up of Lindenwood administrators, coaches, faculty, staff and alumni started studying a move to the NCAA and recommended the switch.
For the Lions, this would be a well deserved move. The Lions currently have 46 athletic programs with approximately 1500 student athletes. Since 2002, Lindenwood has won 35 national championships.
University President James D. Evans says Lindenwood has experienced great advancement in recent years and has experienced tremendous growth in academics, enrollment and facilities.
Board Chairman Jim J. Shoemake said Lindenwood would submit its NCAA application by June 1st.
