- Posted in All University
- Category: Campus News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. - The Lincoln University Board of Trustees moved Saturday in a significant way to enhance the quality and vitality of student life on the campus.
The Board voted to revive the football program, establish a marching and pep band and authorized President Ivory V. Nelson to petition for membership in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), where it is a charter member.
“We recognize that there are challenges ahead, but we are extremely excited with the board’s decision,” President Nelson said. “We strongly believe the action of the board will boost school pride for our students, faculty, staff and alumni.
“The university has an honored tradition on providing opportunities for students. We believe the marching band will provide music opportunities for our young men and women, and that our football program will attract young men who want to be successful in the classroom as well as on the field of athletic competition.”
Although a date has not been announced, the university expects to play a full Division II schedule in fall 2009 after a club season in 2008. After launching its football program in 1894, Lincoln has not played the sport since 1960.
The university was motivated by several factors to upgrade its athletic program, and restoring its football program seemed a logical choice in its decision.
“A more varied campus life experience contributes significantly to the number of prospective applicants and the active engagement of continuing students,” said President Nelson. “School and campus pride is significantly enhanced by athletic participation with schools of similar size and composition.”
The university conducted a student survey in fall 2004. Eighty-three percent of students surveyed showed their willingness to accept an athletic fee to help offset the cost of moving from Division III to Division II. The survey also revealed that 96 percent of the students desired Lincoln to compete in the CIAA and also field both a football team and marching band.
The university will seek financial support from alumni corporations and other friends to assist with the implementation of the decision to upgrade the athletic program.
Lincoln competes as an independent but is a member of the Eastern College Athletic Conference.
Executive Summary, Football/Marching Band
Founded in 1854 and accredited by Middle States, Lincoln is the first degree granting historically black university and counts former Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall and renowned poet Langston Hughes among its graduates.