Indianapolis, IN - The Pratt Institute has been awarded full NCAA Division III membership which was announced by the NCAA III Membership Committee on June 29.
Effective September 1, Pratt will be a full-time member of NCAA Division III. The NCAA Committee confirmed that Pratt fulfilled all requirements for provisional membership in the 2021-22 academic year.
"I am excited to announce our acceptance into the NCAA Division III. It has been a five+ year process to get to this point. I have to recognize President Bronet and Vice President For Student Affairs Delmy Lendoff for their support in making this happen. I also want to recognize former President Dr. Thomas Schutte and Vice President Helen Matusow-Ayers for starting this process and increasing the opportunities for our students to grow and learn outside the classroom. I want to thank the students, coaches and staff for their hard work and commitment, along with the departments across the campus, who have participated in the process, state Direcor of Athletics and Recreation, Walter Rickard."
Pratt sponsors 14 NCAA intercollegiate programs and is a member of the Coast to Coast Conference (C2C), with men's volleyball being a member of the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC). Pratt began its transition to NCAA Division III with an exploratory season in 2018-19, which was rewarded with provisional membership the following year.
The Cannoneers completed its third and final season as a provisional member during the 2021-22 academic year. Pratt met all requirements, as it did the previous two academic years.
With the full status, Pratt will be eligible to participate in NCAA Championships as well as have an active vote at the NCAA Convention each January.
Rickard continued with his excitement of the news. "Pratt is the only AICAD institution to offer intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA level. We have proven over the years that art, design and architecture students can excel in the classroom and on the playing surface. I am so inspired by the work ethic and dedication demonstrated season after season by our student-athletes. This milestone is a testament to the level of excellence that is found at Pratt Institute. We will continue to build upon the foundation that has been set."
