PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — The NCAA has approved Shawnee State’s transition from the NAIA to Division II, with the university set to join the Mountain East Conference this summer.
Shawnee State will start competition in the Mountain East Conference during the 2026–27 academic year. Throughout the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons, the Bears will participate in the league on a provisional basis as part of the NCAA Division II membership transition process.
Upon successfully completing the two-year provisional period at the conclusion of 2027–28, Shawnee State will attain full NCAA Division II membership and become eligible to compete for Division II national championships beginning in 2028-29.
“This is a huge moment for Shawnee State,” said Shawnee State Director of Athletics Gerald Cadogan.”Earning NCAA membership speaks to the hard work of our coaches, staff and student-athletes, and it opens the door to incredible opportunities at the national level. We’re proud of where we are and excited about what’s ahead for Bears athletics.”
Twenty of Shawnee State’s 23 varsity programs are slated to compete in the Mountain East Conference.
The move marks the end of Shawnee State’s longstanding affiliation with the NAIA, which had served as the university’s competitive home since athletics were introduced in 1988-89. During its NAIA tenure, Shawnee State captured three national titles across men’s basketball, women’s basketball and men’s indoor track and field, while producing more than 90 NAIA All-Americans.
“NCAA membership strengthens our competitive opportunities, enhances our national visibility and reinforces our mission to win with integrity both academically and athletically,” Cadogan said. “This is a proud day for Shawnee State Athletics and a defining step forward for our department.”
Shawnee State will become the 12th member of the Mountain East Conference, joining Charleston, Concord, Davis & Elkins, Fairmont State, Frostburg State, Glenville State, Point Park, West Liberty, West Virginia State, West Virginia Wesleyan and Wheeling.
For more information on the Mountain East Conference, visit MountainEast.org.
