Northern Kentucky University to Join Horizon League in July
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Horizon League Board of Directors has approved Northern Kentucky University’s application to join the Horizon League. Northern Kentucky will officially join the league on July 1, 2015, in time for the 2015-16 academic year. The university’s board of regents voted Monday to join the Horizon League.
“The Horizon League is pleased to welcome Northern Kentucky University to our conference,” said Dr. Antoine Garibaldi, Ph.D., Board of Directors Chair and President of the University of Detroit Mercy. “The Horizon League presidents and Commissioner LeCrone look forward to working with NKU President Mearns to continue the implementation of the League’s major goals and strategic plan.”
NKU will compete in 17 of 19 Horizon League sports, the lone exceptions being men’s and women’s swimming and diving. The addition places 10 full members in the Horizon League.
“We made the move to Division I in order to align with similar aspirational institutions. The Horizon League member schools are located in areas that are ideal for student recruitment,” Northern Kentucky University President Geoffrey Mearns said. “In fact, seven of the nine schools are located within 300 miles of NKU’s main campus. The future of Norse athletics is bright, and the Horizon League is an excellent fit,” he said.
President Mearns also said the move will significantly reduce travel costs and will allow the university to engage with more alumni, with more than 14,000 NKU graduates living in the states covered by the League’s footprint.
NKU Director of Athletics Ken Bothof said the move also advances the university’s athletics mission of supporting student-athlete well-being; engaging the university and local community; and establishing relationships with alumni, friends, and fans.
“We are able to achieve each of these ideals in the Horizon League,” Mr. Bothof said. “As part of the Horizon League, we will reduce the amount of travel for our student-athletes, allowing them to spend more time in the classroom. The closer proximity also provides our fans with more opportunities to travel to see their Norse in action. Plus, the League’s television deal with ESPN delivers great visibility for NKU athletics.”
In the fall semester over 800 Horizon League student-athletes posted grade point averages of 3.2 or better and 58 teams were honored for perfect academic progress ratings (APR) scores by the NCAA. In addition, 22 League squads were recognized by the NCAA for being in the top 10 academically in their respective sports. The Horizon League boasts a 19-16 record in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament over the last 13 years.
“Northern Kentucky University’s mission, vision and values align with the Horizon League,” said Commissioner Jonathan B. LeCrone. “We look forward to working with President Geoffrey Mearns, Director of Athletics Ken Bothof and his staff on behalf of NKU’s student-athletes. The Horizon League is adding a well-respected, growing athletics program and an aspirational university.”
Northern Kentucky, Horizon League Membership Announcement
