Friday, July 17, 2015
by Concordia (Ore.) Sports Information Office

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Concordia University-Portland achieved another milestone moment in its drive to transition into the NCAA after receiving notification from the NCAA Membership Committee that it has successfully completed Candidacy Year One in the association's Division II membership process.

Full membership in NCAA Division II is a three-year process with the Cavaliers partaking in Candidacy Year Two during the upcoming 2015-16 seasons.

Dr. Charles Schlimpert—the longest tenured university president in the state—received the notification from the NCAA on Thursday.

"Following recent national accreditations for our law school and nursing programs, our NCAA advancement is yet another example Concordia's spirited growth for which we're grateful," Schlimpert said. "The move to NCAA will benefit our student-athletes and athletic program, and I appreciate everyone involved in helping Concordia achieve this milestone."

The Cavaliers are set to begin its first full slate of NCAA DII competition next season as members of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. Concordia will be eligible to compete in GNAC championship events but will remain ineligible for NCAA postseason play until it completes the three-year progression.

"Though there is still much work to be done with the transition, athletics is exceedingly grateful for the collaboration received from student affairs, admission, advising, financial aid, President Schlimpert and especially our student-athletes." Concordia Director of Athletics Brian Jamros said. "The support from across campus has positioned the Navy & White to move one step closer to reaching this goal and bringing the university into full membership in the NCAA and Division II.

The NCAA Membership Committee approved six schools to advance to year two. Joining Concordia University Portland will be California State University, San Marcos, Concordia University Irvine, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Florida), Emmanuel College (Georgia) and Oklahoma Baptist University.

The committee approved seven schools to become active Division II members this September, bringing the association's total membership to 307 colleges and universities. In addition, two schools that applied for Division II membership, Auburn University at Montgomery and Westminster College (Utah), were accepted and will begin the three-year membership process this fall.