UNA receives full NCAA Division I status

“It is with great pride that we acknowledge the final action by the NCAA to grant full and active Division I status to the University of North Alabama,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts.

“Our athletics staff, along with many members of the campus community, from faculty to staff to students, have participated in helping realize this very important goal. Being Division I is the natural next step in the university’s growth and evolution as the first-choice institution for students across the region and the globe, and I am confident that our student-athletes will compete strongly on this national stage.”

UNA’s Board of Trustees voted on Dec. 6, 2016 to accept an invitation from the ASUN Conference and begin the transition to an NCAA Division I institution in the Fall of 2018.

With the move, no Lion teams have been eligible to compete in any NCAA postseason events for the last four years.

North Alabama student-athletes, however, have continued to be successful during the transition, claiming numerous conference, regional and national awards. That success includes five Division I Academic All-America selections, as well as two team appearances in ASUN Conference championship games.

The university has also continued its upward trajectory, with enrollment climbing more than 24 percent since 2018. Currently the fastest growing four-year institution in the state of Alabama, UNA also recently became a doctoral-granting institution.

In addition, beginning this fall, all 14 of North Alabama’s athletic teams will be competing together in the ASUN Conference for the first time.

“This is an energizing and transformative time to be part of the University of North Alabama,” said director of athletics Dr. Josh Looney. “Exceeding NCAA reclassification standards is among the most demanding multi-year processes an institution can undertake with its athletic department. This accomplishment reflects a true team effort with numerous campus and community leaders contributing to this historic moment. We are especially grateful to the student-athletes who competed during the transition and want to thank our fans and alumni for their support during this process. Growth is present throughout the University of North Alabama and Lion Athletics is ready to ‘Raise The Roar.’”

ASUN Conference Commissioner Ted Gumbart shared his excitement about the announcement from the NCAA.

“Today we celebrate with the entire UNA community,” Gumbart said.

“From the first internal consideration of moving to Division I, through the challenges to gain a conference invitation, to the public announcement of joining the ASUN, there were many contributors to the move. Then came four years of meeting goals, NCAA Division I standards and ASUN competition.

“As with the graduation of our student-athletes, having the Lions move into active NCAA I membership is both a great conclusion and a wonderful new beginning. Congratulations to President Kitts, the UNA Board and all the faculty, staff, coaches, administrators and students who took part in this journey. Congratulations.”

The four-year transition process involved numerous individuals across the North Alabama campus, with Dr. Eric Kirkman, director of Kilby Laboratory School, serving as the chair of the Transition Committee.