April 11, 2006
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY’S BOARD
VOTES TO ENHANCE STUDENT-LIFE
OPPORTUNITIES BY ADDING FOOTBALL AND MARCHING BAND
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. - The
Lincoln University Board of Trustees moved Saturday in a significant
way to enhance the quality and vitality of student life on
the campus.
The Board voted to revive the football
program, establish a marching and pep band and authorized President
Ivory V. Nelson to petition for membership in the Central
Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), where it is
a charter member.
“We recognize
that there are challenges ahead, but we are extremely excited
with the board’s decision,” President Nelson said. “We
strongly believe the action of the board will boost school
pride for our students, faculty, staff and alumni.
“The university has an honored tradition on
providing opportunities for students. We believe the
marching band will provide music opportunities for our young
men and women, and that our football program will attract young
men who want to be successful in the classroom as well as on
the field of athletic competition.”
Although a date has not been announced,
the university expects to play a full Division II schedule
in fall 2009 after a club season in 2008. After launching
its football program in 1894, Lincoln has not played the sport
since 1960.
The university
was motivated by several factors to upgrade its athletic program,
and restoring its football program seemed a logical choice
in its decision.
“A more varied campus
life experience contributes significantly to the number of
prospective applicants and the active engagement of continuing
students,” said
President Nelson. “School and campus pride is significantly
enhanced by athletic participation with schools of similar
size and composition.”
The university
conducted a student survey in fall 2004. Eighty-three
percent of students surveyed showed their willingness to accept
an athletic fee to help offset the cost of moving from Division
III to Division II. The survey also revealed that 96
percent of the students desired Lincoln to compete in the CIAA
and also field both a football team and marching band.
The university
will seek financial support from alumni corporations and other
friends to assist with the implementation of the decision to
upgrade the athletic program.
Lincoln competes as an independent but is a member of the Eastern
College Athletic Conference.
Executive Summary, Football/Marching Band
