Regent University Pursues NCAA Division III

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (Sept. 18, 2023) – Regent University is pleased to announce its official pursuit of membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), beginning with an exploratory phase during the 2024–25 academic year.

The exploratory application for NCAA Division III consideration is the first step in pursuing official membership. If the exploratory application is approved in January 2024, the official exploratory year will begin on September 1, 2024, and continue through the 2024–25 academic year.

Membership in NCAA Division III requires a four-year onboarding phase that includes one year of exploration and three years of provisional membership status. If Regent is approved for NCAA membership, this move may include the addition of more sports opportunities for Regent students, like baseball, softball, and men’s volleyball. This move could also result in the construction of on-campus athletic facilities.

“We appreciate the support of Regent leadership to explore NCAA Division III membership,” said Michael W. Allen, Director of Athletics. “This advance would support our university’s strategic growth initiative by aligning with our continual pursuit of excellence, innovation, and integrity in the athletic arena. We are excited to begin this process as we look to further strengthen our mission of developing Christian Leaders to Change the World.”

Regent University is currently a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). Its varsity teams include men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s track and field, and women’s volleyball.

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 11 years in a row (U.S. News & World Report, 2023).

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