University of St. Thomas Becomes Full NCAA Division I Member

The University of St. Thomas has achieved a historic milestone by officially becoming a full Division I institution, announced by the NCAA on Monday. This makes St. Thomas the only NCAA member to transition directly from Division III to Division I, marking a significant moment in student sports organizations.

Reclassification to Division I

Following a vote by the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, the reclassification process of St. Thomas was successfully completed, granting the university full membership in the NCAA. This allows the St. Thomas Tommies to participate in postseason play, including NCAA tournaments and championships.

Accelerated Timeline

The accelerated transition from Division III to Division I was made possible by lobbying efforts from St. Thomas and the Summit League, resulting in a reduced timeline from 12 years to just four years. This move demonstrates the university’s dedication to elevating its athletic program to compete at the highest level.

Location and Future

Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, St. Thomas is positioned in a prime location for student athletes, just a short distance away from both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. With the completion of the reclassification process, the University of St. Thomas is now set to embark on a new chapter as a full-fledged NCAA Division I member.