Lindenwood University will make the jump from NCAA Division II to Division I beginning with the fall sports season in 2022. (Image provided by: Lindenwood Athletics Dept.)
by Cedric Williams
Senior Editor
ST. CHARLES, MO — Lindenwood University announced on Wednesday its historic plan to take the biggest step in the history of its athletics program.
The University has decided to reclassify from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I and has officially accepted an invitation to join the Ohio Valley Conference and begin play at that level and in that league during the 2022-2023 academic year.
The Lions will compete in the OVC regular season schedules and be eligible to compete for OVC championships in all 18 of the league’s sponsored sports beginning this fall. Eligibility for Lindenwood to earn automatic bids to NCAA Championships begins in 2026-27.
The OVC competes at the Football Championship Series (FCS) level, also known as Division I-AA in football.
“Lindenwood is thrilled to join the Ohio Valley Conference as we apply to transition to NCAA Division I. This opportunity will elevate our entire university and provide championship-level experiences our student athletes deserve,” Lindenwood President Dr. John Porter said. “A move to NCAA Division I athletics and membership in the OVC enhances our Lindenwood University community in many ways and aligns with our strategic plan– it will drive enrollment, enhance university visibility, and generate revenue. We are eager to begin competition at this next level and look forward to welcoming OVC member schools to our campus beginning this fall.”
Since joining the NCAA at the Division II level as a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference back in the 2013-2014 school year, Lindenwood has won 31 regular season conference championships, eight conference tournament championships, and four national championships across its different sports. The Lions will be looking to bring that success to the OVC.
“We are delighted to add Lindenwood University as the 10th member of the OVC for the 2022-23 academic year,” said OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche. “President Porter’s vision for the future of the institution, along with Lindenwood’s commitment to success, its geographic alignment with the OVC and its sports offerings, including football, and our shared philosophy and values make them a great fit for the Conference. We are excited to welcome Lindenwood to our OVC community.”
Lindenwood supports 29 sports at the NCAA level, and has another 21 Student Life level teams, making LU one of the largest athletic departments in the country.
Lindenwood has also been the site of many significant events during its time in the NCAA. The Lions are set to be the host team for the 2022 NCAA Division II Women’s Lacrosse National Championships in May. LU has also hosted numerous regional championships at three different facilities on campus. Lindenwood was selected to host the 2020 NCAA Division II National Championship Festival, which would have featured five national championship, but was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Today is an exciting day in the history of Lindenwood University,” said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Brad Wachler. “Over the last 10 years at the NCAA Division II level, we were fortunate to find great success on and off the field of play. We are now prepared more than ever to make the transition to the highest level of college sports. We are thankful for the Ohio Valley Conference’s partnership and look forward to working together to elevate the student-athlete experience.”
The Ohio Valley Conference was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn.
Over the past seven years, the OVC has placed multiple teams in NCAA Championship fields in baseball, men’s basketball, football and rifle. Additionally, over that time frame OVC teams have won NCAA Tournament games in the sports of baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, football, soccer, softball, and volleyball.