• Lindenwood Full Release | Southern Indiana Full Release
Following a vote of the Division I Board of Directors, Lindenwood University and Southern Indiana University have been awarded active Division I status effective August 1, 2025.
The vote approved the recommendation by the NCAA Division I Strategic Vision and Planning Committee and makes the institutions fully eligible to compete in postseason play, including NCAA tournaments and championships.
Lindenwood and Southern Indiana became official members of the OVC on July 1, 2022 and began the reclassification process from Division II to Division I.
In January, Lindenwood and Southern Indiana notified the NCAA of its intent to engage in the expedited process to exit the reclassification phase one year early thus allowing for all teams to be fully eligible for NCAA Championships during the 2025-26 academic year. In order to engage in the expedited process, each institution had to meet the enhanced criteria that was adopted as a condition of the reduced timeline.
Reclassifying schools were required to participate in an academic review, satisfy all Division I core guarantees and attestation requirements, complete an NCAA self-study program and meet new financial aid requirements, such as a scholarship offering that exceeds the 10th percentile of active Division I members.
"We commend Lindenwood and Southern Indiana for the vision, determination, and hard work they have demonstrated over the past three years in completing the reclassification process to NCAA Division I," said OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche. "They have shown a commitment to excellence on and off the field, and we are excited to see them eligible to compete in NCAA postseason events. We look forward to what the future holds for their student-athletes, coaches, and community."
This past year Lindenwood won the OVC Women's Soccer and Volleyball Tournament Championships and finished third in the OVC Commissioner's Cup standings.
“Achieving full NCAA Division I status marks a historic milestone for Lindenwood University,” said Lindenwood University President Dr. John Porter. “This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and entire campus. Competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics will continue to elevate our university’s profile and foster pride within the community. We are proud of what this means for our university and excited for the future of Lindenwood Athletics."
“We approached the NCAA reclassification process with great intention and care, understanding that achieving full Division I status would not only elevate the experience of our current student-athletes but also instill a deep sense of pride across our campus, among our alumni, supporters, and the entire St. Charles community,” said Lindenwood VP of Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Coomer. “With full eligibility for NCAA postseason play, our focus now shifts to winning championships and raising banners that will define this new era, continued Coomer.”
Southern Indiana claimed its first OVC Championships during the 2023-24 academic year when the Screaming Eagles women's basketball program won the Women's Basketball regular season and tournament championships. This past year USI swept the OVC Men's and Women's Cross Country Championships.
"We are excited to be moving into full NCAA Division I membership a year early," said Steven J. Bridges, USI President. "Our exceptional athletic programs are a fundamental way to achieve a core USI goal of elevating our University's visibility and reputation. We have shown we are well positioned to compete at the highest level and appreciate the support of the NCAA."
"We are very excited that the transition process for Division I is now complete, and our student-athletes can earn the right to compete in NCAA Championships," said Jon Mark Hall, USI Vice President and Director of Athletics. "It has been a heavy lift for everyone on campus, and I cannot thank our campus community enough for their efforts. Our alumni and the broader community have been extremely supportive during the process. Our student-athletes, coaches and staff are ready to embark on this new journey."
In addition to Lindenwood and Southern Indiana, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors elected four other institutions (East Texas A&M University, Stonehill College, Queens University of Charlotte and University of St. Thomas) to active Division I status.