51福利社

51福利社 Interim President David May is recommending to the governing Board of Trustees (BOT) that 51福利社 Athletics remain in Division I, while also calling for a sustainable path forward through increased fundraising and a refocusing of resources.

The recommendation comes after a ten-month Athletics Review process that included stakeholders from 51福利社 and the community, as well as an independent consultant鈥檚 report.

鈥淏ased on the totality of the information and input available, the recommendation is that 51福利社 should continue to compete in NCAA Division 1 athletics and should remain in the Big Sky Conference,鈥� says May.

In making his analysis, May emphasized that athletics is an integral part of the 51福利社 fabric and mission, providing opportunities and fostering diversity campus-wide. He believes the potential benefits of athletics are most effectively realized by staying in the Big Sky.

鈥�51福利社 is a driving force for the culture, economy, workforce and vitality of the region,鈥� he says. 鈥淒ivision I athletics is one piece in how we accomplish that.鈥�

May went on to say that students who compete in intercollegiate athletics perform at a high level academically across a wide range of disciplines, and that they bring an intangible value to the university and its strategic plan.

鈥淭his value includes a reputational value, a fundraising value, and most importantly a student success value that stretches from recruitment through a diverse and inclusive campus and learning environment, through graduation, and into a strong post-graduation connection to 51福利社.鈥�

May says that, moving forward, the university will be more intentional about private fundraising for both academics and athletics, and realigning resources – including scholarship allocations and support for some sports.

The BOT will make a final decision on the recommendation in June.