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| Lyon athletics photo |
Lyon is planning to transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division III and would be set to become the third Division III school in the state of Arkansas.
Based in Batesville, Arkansas, Lyon has 16 NCAA-sponsored sports, including football and men's and women's wrestling. Lyon, University of the Ozarks and Hendrix roughly form a triangle with the southern tip at Hendrix, a little north of Little Rock.
Lyon will take the first step in the process of transitioning by applying for exploratory membership. Once approved, the school will request an expedited provisional membership to begin in the fall 2022 semester. Pending NCAA approval, the timeline for completion would be 2025 or 2026. The school will negotiate a final conference membership in the next year.
The school is on the northeastern edge of the American Southwest Conference's footprint, as well as within the footprint of the Southern Athletic Association.
“I have been pleased with what D-III offers Lyon College and especially our students. The division has a dedication to academics consistent with the Lyon mission, and the transition will allow us to compete with similar selective colleges that have similar academic expectations,” said Lyon interim president Melissa Taverner.
Division III as home to more than 440 institutions and 195,000 student-athletes — the most in any division — who can earn the opportunity to compete in 28 national championships. The Division III philosophy ensures athletics are an integral part of a well-rounded college experience. The athletic experience allows students to focus on their academic programs and the ultimate goal of earning a degree. The four-year journey is designed to complement time spent in and outside of the classroom.
“This transition creates exciting new opportunities for our student athletes,” said Kevin Jenkins, director of athletics for Lyon College. “I look forward to working with our coaches, players and alumni in preparing our athletic programs for this new playing field.”