East Texas A&M University has announced its decision to pursue an expedited path to NCAA Division I membership, aiming for full status by August 2025, one year earlier than previously projected.
The university has formally notified the NCAA of its intent to participate in the new three-year reclassification process, which replaces the previous four-year track. This new process, adopted during the NCAA Convention last month, requires institutions to meet all previous requirements and new entry and exit benchmarks, including an academic review.
"I appreciate the NCAA and the Division I Council for allowing all reclassifying institutions an opportunity to avail themselves of this new reclassification process," said East Texas A&M President Mark Rudin. "Our institution is fully committed to satisfying all process requirements and exit benchmarks. We look forward to being considered for full Division I membership status later this summer."
East Texas A&M has met the academic and financial benchmarks required to participate in the expedited process, including ensuring its Academic Progress Rate (APR) and budgetary metrics align with those of current Division I members.
"We are grateful to the NCAA and the Division I Strategic Vision and Planning Committee for affording reclassifying institutions this expedited process track," said Director of Athletics Jim Curry. "We still have plenty of work ahead to successfully complete this process, but we are proud to validate our recent record of investment and achievement as we transform our athletics department to compete at the highest levels."
Over the next few months, East Texas A&M will work to meet all criteria and exit benchmarks by June 1, 2025. The NCAA Division I Strategic Vision and Planning Committee will then review the university's request and refer its decision to the Division I Board of Directors for approval.
If approved, East Texas A&M will achieve full Division I membership status on August 1, 2025, and become eligible for NCAA-sponsored postseason events.
