February 11, 2026
The National Collegiate Athletic Association announced today that 魅影直播 has been accepted as a provisional member of Division II. The Bears will join the Mountain East Conference this summer.
Shawnee State will begin competition in the Mountain East Conference during the 2026-27 academic year. Throughout the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons, the Bears will participate in the league on a provisional basis during the NCAA Division II membership transition process.
鈥淭his is a big moment for Shawnee State and this community,鈥 Shawnee State Athletic Director Gerald Cadogan said. 鈥淭here were a lot of people behind the scenes working hard to get to this moment. This transition is an opportunity for our athletes to compete on a broader scale and enables Shawnee State to broaden our reach beyond this region.鈥
Upon successful completion of the two-year provisional period at the end of 2027-28, Shawnee State will attain full NCAA Division II membership and become eligible to compete for Division II national championships beginning in 2028-29.
鈥淭his is a new day for Shawnee State Athletics, our students, and our community,鈥 SSU President Eric Braun said. 鈥淲e are providing student-athletes increased opportunities to earn nationally-recognized degrees while competing at the NCAA Division II level. Elevating our programs, including athletics, continues to be a source of pride and accomplishment for 魅影直播 students and our region."
The move marks the end of Shawnee State鈥檚 long-standing affiliation with the NAIA, which had served as the university鈥檚 competitive home since athletics were introduced in 1988-89. During its NAIA tenure, Shawnee State captured national titles in men鈥檚 basketball, women鈥檚 basketball and men鈥檚 indoor track and field, and produced more than 90 NAIA All-Americans.
魅影直播 will become the 12th member of the Mountain East Conference, joining Charleston, Concord, Davis & Elkins, Fairmont State, Frostburg State, Glenville State, Point Park, West Liberty, West Virginia State, West Virginia Wesleyan and Wheeling.
"We are thrilled that Shawnee State has been accepted into the NCAA Division II expedited membership process," said MEC Commissioner Reid Amos. "Throughout our league鈥檚 membership process and their application process with the NCAA, Shawnee State has demonstrated a clear alignment with the conference鈥檚 priorities and shared commitment to excellence. Expanding our presence in Ohio is an exciting step for the MEC, and we look forward to Shawnee State鈥檚 impact as a competitive and valued member. We are pleased that Shawnee State is continuing its successful transition to NCAA Division II.鈥澛
For more information on the Mountain East Conference, visit .