COLUMBIA, S.C. — A new era at Allen University athletics is official.
The NCAA Division II Membership Committee has approved the Columbia-based school to become a full NCAA D2 member beginning September 1, 2024.
To earn full member status, Allen had to serve a four-year process including an exploratory year and three years in the provisional member process.
"I am pleased to announce that Allen University is now a full-fledged member of NCAA Division II," said Allen University President Dr. Ernest McNealey.
"Becoming so was a long-standing goal of the Board of Trustees and decades of alumni, and as President I am particularly pleased to share this news with them. I commend AD Jasher Cox, and his staff members, present and past, and others on the campus who worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome."
Allen had previously been a member of NAIA but now, each of Allen's 12 varsity sports will be eligible for postseason and championship competition. The Yellow Jackets are currently members of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference along with their next door neighbor Benedict College.
"We are on the brink of a thrilling era in Allen's Athletics history," said Allen University Director of Athletics Jasher Cox.
"Throughout the reclassification process, the university has demonstrated excellence at every turn. I am incredibly proud of the past three years and the hard work that has brought us to this moment. An exhilarating chapter now begins as we are officially eligible for postseason play and championships."
Allen becomes one of 293 schools to have Division II membership for 2024-2025.