RICHARDSON, Texas --- McMurry University, a founding member of the American Southwest Conference and member of NCAA Division III, announced December 17 that it will be seeking to reclassify as a NCAA Division II institution. The decision to seek divisional affiliation change resulted from studies conducted by the McMurry University Board of Trustees over the last several months. Rising to the top of the advantages in the decision for pending reclassification was the positive impact it would have on the entire McMurry community.

The American Southwest Conference respects McMurry University’s decision to examine its academic, athletic and institutional goals and objectives within the mission of the University, and will assist as needed in the transition process. At the same time, the ASC membership looks forward to welcoming a new institution – Centenary College of Louisiana in fall 2011 – and studying options to strengthen conference and Division III affiliation among institutions.

McMurry University joined the American Southwest Conference and NCAA Division III beginning with the 1996-97 school year. During the transitional period announced December 17, President Dr. John Russell said that McMurry intends and desires to be a competing member of both the ASC and the NCAA Division III until the guidelines for transition are met based on the NCAA's timeline and requirements for reclassification.

Official Press Release from McMurry University