Thomas More University was unanimously approved for provisional membership to participate in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference – PLUS

CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. (August 18, 2021) — Thomas More University announced today that following a successful on-site visit in June 2021, the University has been unanimously approved for provisional membership in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, a Division II conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

“As a key strategic initiative in the University's Lighting the Way strategic plan, we have spent most of the past year evaluating this opportunity as we want to ensure our student-athletes have the best experience while strengthening the University's regional position. The decision to join the Great Midwest and apply for NCAA DII membership will greatly aid our efforts as we strive to enhance our academic and athletic reputation in the region,” said President Joseph Chillo, LP.D.

The University currently competes in the Mid-South Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). “We have thoroughly enjoyed our NAIA experience and cannot say enough about how great the leadership of the NAIA Presidents, athletic directors and staff has been. We are excited about this opportunity to apply for NCAA DII membership as it will elevate our athletic profile and provide additional opportunities for our student-athletes,” said Terry Connor, Director of Athletics.

Acceptance from the Great Midwest is the first step in the application process to join the NCAA Division II. Over the next six months, the University will prepare a comprehensive feasibility study to further assess readiness to make this transition and will complete an application to the NCAA no later than February 1, 2022.

“Great Midwest is proud to welcome Thomas More University as a provisional member of the Conference,” said Great Midwest Commissioner Tom Daeger. “Thomas More's mission and profile align with the Great Midwest, and the foundation is well positioned to take this step. It is clear that the Saints are committed to continuing their history of athletic success in the Division II ranks. We look forward to working with President Chillo and his talented team as they realize their athletic vision and prepare for their bid to join the NCAA Division II.”

If approved to enter the NCAA Division II membership process, the University will become a provisional member of NCAA Division II and the Great Midwest for the 2022-23 academic year, but will continue to compete in the NAIA for that time period. The University will maintain NAIA membership through the completion of the 2022-23 academic year and will complete two years remaining as Great Midwest and NCAA provisional members. Beginning in the 2023-24 academic year, the University will compete in the Great Midwest and be eligible for conference championships and tournaments. Upon successful completion of the NCAA Division II admissions process, the University will be eligible for NCAA Tournament participation beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.

Thomas More University provides students with much more than vocational training. Graduates are prepared for any career. But they leave prepared for much more. They are exposed to the best thought, literature, art and music. They learn to harness the power of human reason to solve problems and discover the truth. Most importantly, they have the opportunity to begin becoming the person they were created to be. This is the strength of the liberal arts in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition at Thomas More University. Our students come here looking for more. And that's exactly what we offer. Here our students take advantage of this opportunity and… Do it More. Learn more at thomasmore.edu.