The Bob Jones University Board of Trustees approved a recommendation by Director of Athletics, Dr. Neal Ring, for Bob Jones University to pursue membership with NCAA DIII. This division is the non-scholarship arm of the NCAA. BJU will also maintain its affiliation with the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) as a Division II institution.
"NCAA DIII is a campus-wide initiative that focuses on the holistic student experience," Ring said. "We believe this model supports the component of our mission to unify our constituency as well as focus on academics and pursuit of excellence. In short, we believe the NCAA DIII experience is a best fit for BJU and our student-athletes."
In April, a nine-person committee was formed to explore different avenues of athletic affiliation. The committee was made up of coaches, faculty, student life and financial aid staff and other athletics and University personnel.
"We've been studying the athletic affiliation landscape from our inception," Ring said. "Since the arrival of BJU President Steve Pettit, and with the anticipation of regional accreditation, we've sharpened our focus to find the best fit for our institution."
After completing the environmental scan, which included interviewing several campus leaders at institutions across the country, the committee unanimously recommended that BJU pursue NCAA DIII affiliation. The recommendation was then accepted by BJU President Steve Pettit before being unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees.
"The NCAA brand adds value to any institution," Ring said. "Just as we did through the regional accreditation process, this opportunity enables us to have an outside organization review our athletic programs which can enhance the overall experience of our student-athletes."
BJU will begin the application process with the goal of submitting an application to the NCAA by January 15, 2018. The NCAA DIII governing body only accepts four schools per year. If approved, Bob Jones University would enter into an exploratory period before entering a four-year evaluation and review as a provisional NCAA DIII member.
