Brevard, N.C. - The NCAA Division II Membership Committee, meeting in Portland, Oregon June 26-28, accepted the Year One Report and Self-Study submitted by Brevard College and moved BC into the final phase of provisional membership. Brevard was one of twelve institutions advanced under the new Division II membership process. This move opens the door for Brevard College to apply for active membership in Division II and also the South Atlantic Conference for 2008-09.

 

“We were understandably very excited to receive notification of the membership committee’s decision in late June,” said Athletics Director Tom Collins. “It is a well-earned recognition for commitment that our coaches, our College and our community have made to Division II membership.”

 

As part of the certification process, Brevard College was involved in a self-study led by President Dr. Drew Van Horn and Athletics Director Tom Collins which included a review of a number of primary components such as governance and commitment to rules compliance, academic integrity, equity and student-athlete well being.

 

“I appreciate the words of support and congratulations that we have received from those at the conference and national level that have reviewed the Self-Study and Year One Report. They have been very complimentary of the progress that has been made at Brevard College during this transition period,” continued Collins. “Transitions in athletics affiliation don’t just happen. A great deal of ‘behind-the-scenes’ work is necessary, requiring the energy and commitment of a number of people. This has definitely been a team effort. Although there is much work left to do, people seem favorably impressed with our commitment to rules compliance, broad-based participation, strategic planning and our community engagement initiatives. Certainly we must continue to expand our access to financial resources for facility improvements, staffing and financial aid.”

 

Brevard College boasts a distinguished and successful history in intercollegiate athletics, winning nine national team championships as a junior college (1937-2000).  During this period, more than 200 Brevard College student athletes received All-American honors.    As a four-year institution, Brevard competed in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 2000 through 2006.    Fall 2006 was a pivotal semester for the athletics program at Brevard College as the Tornados transitioned from the NAIA to NCAA Division II and added football, cycling and cheerleading as varsity sports.   In March 2007, Brevard was offered provisional membership in the D2 South Atlantic Conference.  The Tornados are expected to become full-fledged members of Division II and the SAC in August 2008.   The college also offers a wide range of intramural activities for students in addition to outdoor leadership opportunities.