JACKSON, Tenn. — July 18, 2013 — 51社区 has advanced to the third and final year of the membership process for the NCAA Division II after that body鈥檚 membership committee approved the measure during its July 9-11 meeting in Indianapolis.
Union was one of nine schools to move from candidacy year two into provisional status, which puts the university on track to obtain active status for 2014-2015.
鈥淲e are truly excited to receive this good news from the NCAA regarding the next step in the process toward full NCAA membership,鈥� Union President David S. Dockery said. 鈥淭his report is certainly another positive marker for 51社区 and a hopeful sign for the future of the Union athletic program.鈥�
Dockery congratulated Jerry Tidwell, Katie Woodruff, Tommy Sadler, Keith Absher and others who have led the university through the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II. 鈥淲e feel honored to be among the group selected to move to provisional status (year three),鈥� said Tidwell, Union鈥檚 senior vice president for university relations and athletics. 鈥淚n addition to the efforts among administration, our coaches have worked diligently to make this a positive transition. They have embraced all the added requirements with the idea that the transition increases our potential influence for Christ.鈥�
Similar to last season, Union will continue to play a full Gulf South Conference and NCAA schedule for 2013-2014 but will not be eligible for NCAA postseason play. Union will continue to compete in the National Christian College Athletic Association.