Rethink What You Think About Lindenwood University

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT PORTER

Today, I am pleased to share that the Lindenwood University Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Friday, February 18, 2022 to approve the Lindenwood Athletics Department moving forward with the formal process to reclassify from Division II to Division I NCAA athletics.

Led by Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Brad Wachler, the process to reach this recommendation was thoroughly vetted from many aspects. Five months ago, Lindenwood was approached by the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), an NCAA Division I conference, regarding our interest in a possible transition. We engaged the services of an external consultant who conducted an external study on our behalf and an internal financial analysis demonstrated that this may be a viable option.

A move to NCAA Division I athletics enhances our Lindenwood University community in many ways and aligns with our strategic plan – it will drive enrollment, raise university visibility and make Lindenwood a desired location for improved community engagement to name a few benefits.

In addition to applying to the NCAA to transition from Division II to Division I and to the OVC, we are working to identify conferences for affiliate membership to welcome teams who are not slated in the OVC. Lindenwood does not have plans to reduce the total number of sponsored sports. Upon approval, the transition process will take four years to complete.

Lindenwood anticipates starting to compete at the NCAA Division I level in the 2022-23 season and conclude membership in the GLVC at the end of our current academic year. Upon transitioning to Division I, Lindenwood will be able to compete for conference titles but will be ineligible to participate in NCAA championships until the four-year transition process is complete. 

This is an exciting moment in the history of Lindenwood University, and I am eager to experience the opportunities this bid to transition to NCAA Division I presents for Lindenwood. This intentional decision supports our strategic plan outcomes and will help establish Lindenwood as a standout in the St. Louis and regional area. Please join me in congratulating our University and Athletics Department.

Sincerely, 

Dr. John Porter
President, Lindenwood University


 

COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE: DEVELOPING CHAMPIONS TODAY

As part of our core values, we are committed to being relentless in all that we do.  Thus, Lindenwood has a bold vision for the future, which includes competing for championships at the highest level.  We have created a championship culture at the NCAA Division II level and are well-equipped to take the next step in our evolution as we begin the 4-year transition process to NCAA Division I beginning in 2022-23. 

Lindenwood has the athletic facilities in place to compete immediately and the University has established plans to support additional facility growth, as needed. 

While the transition process is not easy, we know that our coaches, staff, and student-athletes are prepared for the challenge as we will come out of this process a much stronger department and University.

We will be able to utilize the NCAA Division I brand and national media to enhance our reputation and the overall visibility of our university's commitment to excellence on and off the playing surface.        
        

ACADEMIC SUCCESS: BUILDING LEADERS OF TOMORROW

Real Experience. Real Success: Enhancing lives through quality education and professional preparatory experiences. 

To accomplish the University's mission, the institution remains committed to delivering comprehensive student-centric learning and community engagement through innovative, relevant, and forward-thinking academic and experiential programs. With Lindenwood now competing on a much bigger athletics stage, with far greater exposure, we will be able to showcase our incredible academic colleges, instruction, and research opportunities that prepare students for real success by providing preparatory and experiential learning opportunities.

As the second oldest institution west of the Mississippi river, Lindenwood has adapted to student learning as it has evolved throughout the years and continues to maintain relevance in a shrinking higher education market. 

We are proud of our accomplishments on the playing field, but our performance in the classroom is what drives our mission forward.  We stress the importance of academics and life skills as we are constantly "Building Leaders of Tomorrow."  Nothing is more evident than our Lindenwood student-athletes carrying an average GPA over a 3.3.  We now will have the opportunity to showcase our academic success to the world. 

DESTINATION LINDENWOOD & THE REGIONAL IMPACT

As part of the Lindenwood University strategic plan, we are committed to serving as a resource and partner for economic development and community service.  At its core, Destination Lindenwood will transform the University and the City of St. Charles into a welcoming and engaging college town that becomes the go-to destination for cultural, civic, and athletic events that attract student interest, community and corporate support, and love and appreciation for our Lions and the local and regional communities and partners. 

We believe there is an opportunity in the market for a Division I college athletics program to thrive.  In fact, we will be the only NCAA Division I college football team in the St. Louis region.  Lindenwood will be your "go-to destination" for college athletic events. 

In addition, Lindenwood is committed to serving and improving the community in which we live.  We will have a greater opportunity to promote our giving initiatives to a larger network,.  Our coaches and student-athletes have been committed to using their platform to help those in need of service and support.  In fact, our sport programs have committed 3,000+ hours of community service in the past year and will continue to expand service levels with the additional resources that NCAA Division I athletics provides.  

THE OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE

The Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) is in its 74th year of operations.  It is stable league, with a vision for the future.  Like all conferences, transition is inevitable, but at its core, the OVC continues to maintain a forward-thinking, progressive strategy to growth.  The current landscape of the conference is as follows:  

In addition, the University of Southern Indiana (a fellow GLVC member institution) recently announced that they, too, are transitioning to the NCAA Division I level and accepted an invitation to join the OVC for the 2022-23 academic year as well.  

The OVC offers many advantages and desires to create a long-term partnership with Lindenwood as a valuable member of the conference.  OVC member budgets are reasonably situated relative to Lindenwood's, and the location of conference schools ensures manageable travel expenses as well as the potential to develop new, regional rivalries that heighten awareness of Lindenwood University. The footprint of the OVC also expands Lindenwood's reach and inherent media access thereby providing potential access to prospective future students as well as student-athletes.

Additionally, the OVC's media reach will provide national visibility  beyond that at the DII level.  The OVC has a multi-year media rights agreement that includes a minimum of 650 conference events per year on ESPN+ as well as a linear TV package on the ESPN Family of Networks.

We are proud to be joining this esteemed and successful athletic conference as we embark on the next exciting chapter for Lindenwood.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why does Lindenwood desire to transition to NCAA Division I?

• Answer: Lindenwood has a strong history of competitive success at the NCAA Division II level with winning one NCAA team national title, 11 top 5 national finishes, 13 individual national champions, and 39 conference regular season or post-season championships as well as various academic accomplishments.  We are committed to excellence in everything that we do and are prepared and eager to compete at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics. In addition, this transition directly aligns with the goals of our bold strategic plan – 12,000 students in 5 years, enhanced revenue opportunities to continue to support the institution, and a top-of-mind brand.

What has been the process for exploring the feasibility of an NCAA Division I transition?

• Answer: Lindenwood was approached by the OVC in the fall regarding an interest in transitioning to NCAA Division I.  At that time, Athletics conducted an internal analysis to determine the feasibility of a possible transition.  This analysis was verified by external consultants (Collegiate Sports Associates) and provided additional supporting data to justify a transition.  Once the model was built and verified, this was widely socialized with various campus constituents for comments and questions.  The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the transition at their meeting on February 18, 2022.

 What conference will Lindenwood join?

• Answer: The Ohio Valley Conference has extended an invitation to Lindenwood to compete as the 10^th full member of league, effective with the 2022-23 academic year.  For more information on the OVC, please visit here.  Our administration is in discussion with other Division I conferences that sponsors sports that are not in the OVC and we will continue to pursue those options.

Is Lindenwood prepared to compete against other NCAA Division I opponents?

• Answer: Yes, we have shown the ability to maintain a high level of success throughout our athletics history and are committed to doing the same at the NCAA Division I level.  We will strategically provide the necessary resources to our programs so that they may compete on a national level.

 What are the benefits of NCAA Division I athletics to the University community?

• Answer: The University community will benefit in many ways including increased exposure and brand visibility on a national scale, opportunities for future enrollment growth, renewed energy and spirit around campus, enhanced academic reputation, increase to retention and graduation rates, and much more.

What are the plans to heighten visibility of athletics program on-campus and throughout the community?

• Answer: The Athletics staff will create aggressive marketing plans and utilize our numerous contacts and successful alumni throughout the St. Louis region in order to promote our athletic programs and incredible student-athletes.  It is our goal to create a more dynamic environment and excitement around game day.  We will rely on previous case studies from universities that have found success in building this very environment, but still maintain our own uniqueness as one of the largest athletic departments in the Country.

How will Lindenwood cover the cost of increased expenses associated with an NCAA Division I transition? What additional revenue opportunities exist?

• Answer: To maintain our high level of competitiveness, we must invest resources into our operational budget to support this transition.  However, we have built a financial model that will create long-term sustainability at the NCAA Division I level.  We have additional revenue opportunities through increased fundraising, corporate partnerships, ticket sales, NCAA distributions, and game guarantees. 

Will moving to NCAA Division I influence salary increases for Lindenwood employees for FY23?

• Answer: Not automatically. Salary increases will continue to be influenced by overall financial performance of the University, which includes achieving our fall targets for student enrollment, tuition, and room and board.

 Will the move to NCAA Division I require new or renovated athletic facilities?

• Answer: Lindenwood has a great foundation for athletic facilities that are certainly NCAA Division I caliber.  However, there will be some necessary upgrades and modifications that must be completed during the transition process, which includes the following: installation of lights on the upper turf field, the replacement of deteriorating turf at baseball/softball/upper track, the renovation of the press box and seating at the Lou Brock Sports Complex, expansion of locker rooms for various sports, the addition of a practice court for basketball and volleyball, an additional turf field for practice and competition.  We will also investigate the feasibility of the construction of an indoor athletic complex. 

 Will a move to NCAA Division I positively impact Lindenwood's academic profile and enrollment?

• Answer: Yes, there is empirical data that supports anywhere from 10-15% growth in overall enrollment for schools that have transitioned to NCAA Division I over an eight year period of time.  There is a direct benefit to the overall academic profile for Lindenwood as well.  The brand visibility, notoriety, and exposure to a national audience will allow for the university to showcase its academic strength and student-focused learning attributes.  There is also evidence that shows growth in some academic measures such as retention and graduation rates.

What impact will this transition have on currently enrolled students?

• Answer: Currently enrolled students will feel a renewed sense of pride, excitement and energy on-campus beginning in the Fall of 2022.  One great benefit of this transition is that it allows us to focus on the campus experience for all our students and NCAA Division I athletics brings a higher level of athletic competition and visibility to our campus.  We intend to call on our current and future students to help us create one of the best game day environments in the Country. 

What impact will this transition have on Lindenwood alumni?

• Answer: This transition will create a direct benefit to Lindenwood alumni as the we increase brand awareness for both athletics and the university.  We will also strive to tell the story of our student-athletes and alumni to a far greater audience within and outside of our region.  Division I is the ideal platform to extend our reach.  

 What impact will this transition have on the local and regional communities?

• Answer: This transition will have a significant impact on the surrounding communities.  Consistent with Destination Lindenwood effort that is already underway, we are committed to serving our region as an asset for growth and development.  In short, we want St. Charles to be known as a desired destination and college town, but our reach extends far beyond the borders of one city.  We have the ability and the desire to impact the region by deepening our relationship with the surrounding communities.  Along with a myriad of other initiatives, NCAA Division I athletics will create a platform for us to connect and serve our region.

 Does Lindenwood plan to add and/or drop any of its existing sport offerings?

• Answer: At this time, we have announced the addition of beach volleyball beginning with the 2023 season as the 29^th NCAA sponsored sport.  While we will always continue to review our infrastructure to best position our department for success and sustainability, we do not intend to make any additional adjustments to our sport offerings at this time.

 How does this impact current or incoming NCAA student-athletes? 

• Answer: There are some differences from an eligibility standpoint from Division II to Division I, we have created an additional document to help our current and other incoming student athletes better explain the differences. For current students, please visit this site, and for other incoming students who have committed to come to Lindenwood, please click here.