Regent University Accepted into NCAA Exploratory Year

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (Mar. 11, 2024) – The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has approved Regent University’s application for an exploratory year of membership in Division III. Institutions accepted into this phase participate in an orientation program that familiarizes them with the structure of the NCAA Division III philosophy, rules, and regulations.  

“Receiving the invitation for exploratory membership is the next step in attaining our end goal of full membership in NCAA Division III,” said Michael Allen, Director of Athletics at Regent. “We know there is still much to be done. However, we are excited to walk down this God-ordained path. We appreciate the guidance from the NCAA and our sponsoring institution, Christopher Newport University. The needle is definitely moving here at Regent.”

Regent’s exploratory year officially begins on September 1, 2024, and lasts throughout the 2024–2025 academic year.  Upon successful completion, the university will then apply for a three-year provisional membership during which it must meet educational and operational benchmarks that align with Division III philosophy.

Membership in the NCAA Division III provides a well-rounded experience that involves a balance of academics, athletics and the opportunity to pursue a number of co-curricular and extracurricular activities.   

For now, the Regent Royals athletic program will continue to compete in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA).

About Regent University

Founded in 1977, Regent University is America’s premier Christian university, with more than 13,000 students studying on its 70-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and online around the world. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in more than 150 areas of study including business, communication and the arts, counseling, cybersecurity, divinity, education, government, law, leadership, nursing, healthcare, and psychology. Regent University has been ranked the #1 Best Accredited Online College in the United States (Study.com, 2020), the #1 Safest College Campus in Virginia (YourLocalSecurity, 2021), and the #1 Best Online Bachelor’s Program in Virginia for 12 years in a row (U.S. News & World Report, 2024).

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