RSU Moving to Division II
In its short 12-year life as an accredited four-year institution, Rogers State is quickly positioning itself into a local collegiate player with the recent announcement that the has approved for the Division II membership process.
President Dr. Larry Rice called the announcement a major milestone in the university’s recent renaissance.
“After extended conversations with students, faculty and community members, it became clear that would be better served by changing its athletic affiliations to the Division II level,” Rice says. “The move allows to better serve both our student-athletes and the university, while also increasing the national exposure for both the university and the communities we serve.”
With its successful application for Division II Membership, will now enter into a three-year transition period before earning full membership status. The Hillcats will continue as an active member of the Sooner Athletic Conference within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics () for the 2012-13 school year while serving Candidacy Year One with the .
has also been approved for membership in the NCAA’s Heartland Conference. The Heartland is comprised of schools located in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Texas. Starting in the fall of 2013, will play a Heartland Conference schedule in all sports as it completes second year candidacy.
“We are thrilled with the committee’s decision and anxious to begin the membership process,” says Ryan Bradley, director of athletics. “We believe is a great fit for Division II, and we look forward to establishing new rivalries and traditions with many of our peer institutions in the region.”
Updated 07-20-2012
READER COMMENTS
