Houston Baptist University has announced that it has made application to rejoin the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as a Division I member. The formal announcement was made Wednesday by HBU President Robert B. Sloan Jr. and Director of Athletics Ron Cottrell.

The Huskies were NCAA members back in the 1980's

As a result of HBU’s application to the NCAA, the Huskies will be leaving the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) at the end of the 2006-07 school year.

“Membership in the NCAA will provide benefits and visibility for the University which will impact our students, athletes, coaches, alumni and the entire HBU community,” said Sloan. “First and foremost this will help us build a stronger campus atmosphere. We are already experiencing a unique time in the life of HBU with the development of new academic and student life programs, and an anticipated growth in enrollment.

Athletics is an integral component of the college experience and competition at this level is consistent with our desire to reach a higher standard of excellence in every aspect of University life.” Sloan, who was named president of HBU in August 2006, went on to say that during the interview process of the presidential search several University trustees indicated a desire to return to the Division I level.

HBU was a member of the NCAA from 1967 until 1990 and competed as a Division I member from 1973 until 1989. HBU left the NCAA for the NAIA in the fall of 1990, joining the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) as a charter member in 1998.

While a member of the RRAC, the Huskies have won 39 conference championships and competed in 33 NAIA National Tournaments. HBU has been recipient of the league’s All-Sports Award seven times.

“We have enjoyed a great deal of success at the NAIA level, but now it is time to return to the NCAA and make our mark there,” said Cottrell. “With the vision that has been established under the new leadership of Dr. Sloan, it is the natural progression for our university, as well as our athletic department.”

The Huskies currently compete in seven sports—basketball, baseball and soccer for men, and basketball, softball, volleyball and soccer for women.