By Stephen J. Gaither
Two HBCU programs officially got the word that they will be members of NCAA Division II on Thursday.
Allen University and Edward Waters University, both former NAIA members, will become NCAA Division II members after successfully completing the provisional membership process. The two schools are both Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference members and have completed a four-year process.
“I am pleased to announce that Allen University is now a full-fledged member of NCAA Division II,” said Allen University President Dr. Ernest McNealey. “Becoming so was a long-standing goal of the Board of Trustees and decades of alumni, and as President I am particularly pleased to share this news with them. I commend AD Jasher Cox, and his staff members, present and past, and others on the campus who worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome.”
To earn full member status, the Columbia, SC-based HBCU had to serve a four-year process including an exploratory year and three years in the provisional member process.
“We are on the brink of a thrilling era in Allen’s Athletics history,” said Allen University Director of Athletics Jasher Cox. “Throughout the reclassification process, the university has demonstrated excellence at every turn. I am incredibly proud of the past three years and the hard work that has brought us to this moment. An exhilarating chapter now begins as we are officially eligible for postseason play and championships.”
The HBCU pair will join Emory & Henry University and Westmont College as new members.