Lyon College Interim President Dr. Melissa Taverner said Tuesday that the college is starting the process to transition to NCAA Division III (D3) for Lyon Scots Athletics.
“This decision is one of many strategic initiatives focused on strengthening Lyon and its mission as a leading Arkansas higher education institution,” Taverner said. “We have researched and reviewed this decision for the past few years.”
Taverner said she is pleased with what D3 offers Lyon College, especially Lyon students. She noted that the division has a dedication to academics conducive to the Lyon mission, and the transition will allow Lyon to compete with similar selective colleges that have similar academic expectations and recruiting strategies.
For the athletes, Dr. Taverner noted that financial aid that is now being received in form of scholarships will not change. She said, moving forward, aid will come in the form of Lyon grants. Dr. Taverner went on to say that this move will not result in the elimination of any of Lyon’s athletic programs, and it will not mandate any changes in its coaching staff.
She said some changes may come as early as the fall of 2022. For instance, Lyon’s athletic programs will be adhering to NCAA rules by Sept. 1, 2022. Dr. Taverner also noted that Lyon will be working with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics to make the transition to D3 as seamless as possible.
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