The long wait is finally over for the University of Central Arkansas Athletic Department, which was notified this week by the NCAA that the school has achieved Division I Active Membership.
The notice from the NCAA concludes a five-year transition process for UCA’s administration, players coaches and fans. All UCA athletic teams will now be eligible for postseason play in both the Southland Conference and on the national level beginning this fall.
âWe are thrilled and relieved to receive the news of our approval of active membership status at the NCAA Division I level,’ said Dr. Brad Teague, UCA Director of Athletics. âThis has been a long process which has strengthened our awareness and implementation of Division I rules on governance, academics, diversity, and student-athlete well-being. These are all key principles of D-I athletics.”
To recognize the completion of the reclassification process, the UCA Athletic Department will host a Division I active membership celebration reception at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday at Buffalo Alumni Hall on the UCA campus. “There are so many responsible for our successful reclassification from Division II to Division I. Certainly our athletics administrative staff was heavily involved in the process, our coaches had to overcome many issues in dealing with the four years of transition, and our campus was extremely supportive,” said Teague. âWe look forward to our active membership status and the opportunity to participate in post-season competition on the conference and NCAA level. This is an exciting time for our student-athletes and coaches.”
The thorough reclassification process included requirements such as financial audits, rules compliance audits, annual reports, annual updated strategic plans and a 10-year athletics certification study.
UCA, which became a member of the Southland Conference at the beginning of its transition, received congratulations from league commissioner Tom Burnett .
âThis is a great moment for the University of Central Arkansas, it’s athletic program, and everyone involved in the university community,” said Burnett. âWhen the Southland Conference began reviewing membership possibilities with UCA in 2005, our presidents quickly realized the university’s obvious potential as a strong, competitive Division I program. Now, we are very pleased that the NCAA has seen the same qualities we discovered five years ago.
UCA President Dr. Allen Meadors said the reclassification process indeed took a concerted effort by the entire UCA community.
“This final step to full D-I recognition is the result of a tremendous amount of work by Dr. Teague and the entire athletic department,” said Meadors. âOur coaches have been outstanding in their support of the athletic administration during this transition period. I would also like to acknowledge the work of numerous individuals and offices throughout the UCA campus that assisted in bringing about this day. A special thanks to the UCA’s Board of Trustees for their support and encouragement.”
