Davenport Accepted into NCAA Division II Membership Process

Posted: Jul 19, 2016

BAY CITY, Mich. -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) is pleased to announce the addition of Davenport University after formally being accepted into the NCAA Division II membership process as provisional members.

Davenport is currently a successful member competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The Panthers of Davenport University are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Davenport's GLIAC membership privileges are contigent upon their institution continuing to excel through the NCAA Division II membership program, a three-year endeavor that prepares institutions for membership as successful Division II athletics programs. Although Davenport will compete in the GLIAC starting with the 2017-18 season, DU will be ineligible for postseason play until becoming full NCAA Division II members in 2019-20. However, Davenport will be eligible for regular-season GLIAC championships.

The expansion efforts of the GLIAC were aided by the services of Athletics Staffing and Consultants (ASC), which provides colleges, universities and conferences special consulting expertise in a multitude of areas which includes conference membership enhancements. Dr. Kurt Patberg led this expansion effort on behalf of ASC.

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference will feature 11 member institutions from Michigan and Ohio sponsoring 22 NCAA Division II sports beginning in 2017-18. Founded in 1972, the GLIAC has developed into one of the most nationally competitive athletic conferences, both on the field and in the classroom. With Davenport scheduled to compete in the GLIAC starting with the 2017-18 academic year, the conference will consist of Ashland University, Davenport University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, Northwood University, Saginaw Valley State University, Tiffin University and Wayne State University.

Below are quotes from Davenport and the GLIAC:

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY QUOTES

"Davenport University is committed to quality and achievement of high standards. Acceptance of our application for membership into NCAA Division II and the GLIAC affirms the great progress we have made as an institution. We look forward to the opportunities this affiliation will provide to our students and community," said Davenport University President Dr. Richard J. Pappas. "We believe NCAA membership will only enhance the quality of college life at Davenport and help us attract the best and brightest students interested in a career-focused education."

"This is a great day for Davenport University. Our University aligns perfectly with the ideals of NCAA Division II and the GLIAC. This opportunity will allow Davenport University to compete amongst some of the best institutions in the Midwest. This marks a new journey and a new challenge for our athletic program, one that excites our coaches, our student-athletes, our faculty/staff, and our alumni," said Davenport University Director of Athletics Paul Lowden. "We look forward to developing new relationships with the NCAA and GLIAC members while maintaining friendships with colleagues in the NAIA with whom we have worked alongside for years and have a high level of respect and admiration."

GREAT LAKES INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE QUOTES

"We are excited to receive notice of the NCAA's approval of Davenport University," stated GLIAC Interim Commissioner Jeff Ligney. "We are pleased to have this institution become the newest member of the conference and look forward to the opportunities and positive attributes Davenport will bring as we enter a new era in the GLIAC."

"We congratulate Davenport on receiving an invitation to become an NCAA member and we will support them throughout the review process," said Donald Bachand, president of Saginaw Valley State University and chair of the GLIAC Council of Presidents. "We remain committed to maintaining the GLIAC's standing among the highest performing conferences in NCAA Division II, and we are confident Davenport understands the rugged athletic competition they will face as we build relationships, form rivalries, and ultimately prepare graduates for challenging careers. I would like to personally congratulate Richard Pappas, president of Davenport University, on achieving this step forward. I look forward to working with him to ensure success for GLIAC student-athletes in the classroom and on the fields of competition."

See below for Davenport quick facts:

ABOUT DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY

School: Davenport University
Location: Grand Rapids, Mich.
Founded: 1866
Enrollment: 3,174 at Main Campus
Nickname: Panthers
Colors: Red, Black & White
Affiliations: NAIA (D2 for Basketball), and NWLL (Women's Lacrosse)
Conference: Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference
President: Richard J. Pappas
Director of Athletics: Paul Lowden
Athletics Website: www.dupanthers.com
Sponsored Sports (20): Baseball, Men's Basketball, Men's Cross Country, Football, Men's Golf, Men's Soccer, Men's Tennis, Men's Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field, Wrestling, Softball, Women's Basketball, Women's Cross Country, Women's Golf, Women's Lacrosse, Women's Soccer, Women's Tennis, Women's Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field, Womens' Volleyball