file photo
(Highland Heights, Ky.) - It is expected to be announced soon that Northern Kentucky University has gone through the final step to became a Division I NCAA athletics school.
The NKU Board of Regents will meet Thursday to discuss joining the Atlantic Sun Conference next fall, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. A public announcement is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Thursday.
While neither representatives of NKU or the Atlantic Sun have admitted to the reports, conference officials have been seen on campus this week.
If it does join, NKU would play conference games against current members Jacksonville, East Tennessee State, Florida Gulf Coast, Kennesaw, Lipscomb, Stetson, USC Upstate, and North Florida.
When NKU goes DI, the move will require the school to double its current athletic budget of $4.2 million.
Norse team sports could play for a conference championship as soon as next year, but must serve a four-year probation before playing in NCAA tournaments such as March Madness.
Prior to the latest reports of NKU joining the Atlantic Sun, the school had discussed joining the Ohio Valley Conference and the Summit League.
LINKS:
NKU Won't Join DI Ohio Valley Conf.
President: NKU Will Shoot For D1 Sports Status
Traffic Switch on I-275 Eastbound Carroll Cropper Bridge
Indiana Court of Appeals Affirms Billy Luke's Sentence of 61 1/2 Years
State Park Properties Offer First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day
Repairs Underway After Water Main Break in Dillsboro
DCF Grant Helps Church Purchase Defibrillator
RCCF Awards $22,000 In Hillenbrand Partner with Possibility Grants
