BUENA VISTA, Virginia — After four years of provisional membership in the NCAA, Southern Virginia University's athletic department was given full membership in Division III on Tuesday.
The private liberal arts school owned by members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but not affiliated with the LDS Church itself had been a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics school before starting the transition to D-III.
"We are extremely excited and honored to become full NCAA Division III," said SVU athletics director Jason Lamb. "D-III is a perfect fit for us because we embody the division's philosophy of valuing the complete educational experience of our student-athletes."
During the transition, the 800-student school has added wrestling, men's volleyball and men's and women's lacrosse and track and field, joined the Capital Athletic Conference and built and upgraded many athletic facilities including a softball field, tennis courts. SVU will soon begin construction on a new multi-sport stadium.
"Southern Virginia has always been blessed with incredible athletes, but now there is a better understanding of what the program is trying to accomplish," senior women's athletics administrator Deidra Dryden said.
Email: amorton@deseretnews.com
Twitter: UtahMortReport
Blog: TheMortreport.com