PSAC adding Lackawanna as 18th member
School will transition from junior college to Division II
SCRANTON – The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference is going back to 18 members.
The conference announced Thursday that it has extended an invitation to Lackawanna College to become the conference’s 18th member.
The invitation signals Lackawanna’s intent to transition from junior college status to NCAA Division II in the coming years.
“This is a transformative moment for Lackawanna College,” said school president Dr. Jill A. Murray. “We are committed to finding innovative ways to broaden our offerings in both academics and athletics so that students of all backgrounds can pursue their dreams. Our invitation to join the PSAC is a direct result of this mission and validates the investments we’ve made in academic quality, athletic infrastructure, and student-athlete success. We are proud to join a conference known for its excellence both on the field and in the classroom.”
The move to NCAA Division II will allow Lackawanna to grow its two-year athletics program into a four-year program. Lackawanna will be the third institution nationally to transition from the NJCAA directly to NCAA Division II and the first to do so with a football program.
The PSAC, which is the largest conference in Division II, had dropped to 17 members when Mercyhurst left this past school year for the Division I Northeast Conference.
“Our invitation to join the PSAC is a key milestone in the history of our athletic department and could not have been realized without the efforts of our coaches, students, and leadership who believed in our strategic vision and our commitment to excellence,” said Lackawanna athletic director Erik Larson. “This move allows us to elevate our athletics programs to new heights … with increased exposure, scholarship opportunities and academic support. We are honored to be welcomed into the conference.”
Founded in 1894, Lackawanna is a private, non-profit institution offering eight bachelor’s degree programs and 25 associate degree programs, along with more than 30 Continuing Education and professional certificates. Along with its main Scranton campus, the college offers six other locations throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania.
“We are excited to offer Lackawanna College membership to the PSAC and to support them on their path toward membership in NCAA Division II,” said PSAC commissioner Steve Murray. “It is a new era in collegiate athletics, and this is a new paradigm for the PSAC as we welcome Lackawanna to the Conference. President Jill Murray’s vision for Lackawanna College is remarkable, and we believe that the movement to a four-year athletics program and Division II supports that vision.”