NCAA Panel Endorses Houghton for Year 2 of Provisional Membership
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The NCAA Division III Membership Committee has approved Houghton College for its second year of provisional membership effective September 1.
Formal approval is expected to come at the Division III Management Council meeting in July.
"Our initial experience in NCAA Division III has exceeded our hopes both in terms of the fit between Houghton's vision of transformative education and the philosophy of the NCAA Division III and in the welcome we have received within the Empire 8 Conference," said Houghton President Dr. Shirley Mullen.
Houghton wrapped up a successful first year as an NCAA provisional member and a full member of the Empire 8 Conference. Highlander student-athletes garnered numerous all-conference honors for their skills in the field of play and were among the conference leaders in department GPA and percentage of student-athletes maintaining a GPA above 3.75.
Men's and women's lacrosse and men's and women's golf all completed their inaugural campaigns in 2012-2013. Men's and women's tennis begins competition this fall.
"Our first year of provisional membership was a learning process, but it was an exciting one," said Houghton Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics H. "Skip" Lord. "Our teams got their first real taste of Division III competition through a full slate of Empire 8 Conference schedules, and we continue to gain an appreciation of the Division III model for athletics and how well it fits our programs."
The excitement and impact of the transition has not been lost on Houghton student-athletes.
"I'm excited that we are continuing on our journey into the NCAA. While the experience of DIII athletics is different from the NAIA, the level of competition is just as high, if not higher, and I am eager to see how we do in our second season with the Empire 8," said women's soccer and track student-athlete Alyssa Figueroa. "We've transitioned from 'strangers' to competitors in the conference and have begun to form relationships with the other E8 teams. I hope that we continue to maintain positive interactions with them."
The five-year membership process begins with an exploratory year, followed by four years of provisional status. Houghton is one of five schools beginning the second year of provisional status and is on track to be eligible for active status beginning in September 2016.
While Houghton is unable to compete in Empire 8 championships in team sports or in any NCAA championships until achieving full membership status, the college's membership in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), provides most Highlander teams with postseason opportunities.