CLAREMORE, Okla. - Rogers State University received notification from the National Collegiate Athletic Association  that it has successfully completed Candidacy Year One in the association's Division II membership process and is now in Candidacy Year Two.

"We're honored to be moving forward in our NCAA Division II candidacy," said RSU President Dr. Larry Rice. "We feel that Division II membership remains a great fit for Rogers State because of its emphasis on balancing academic excellence, athletic achievement and community engagement. This mirrors RSU's mission of graduating well-rounded students who are prepared to make a difference in the community."

Rice praised the efforts of Director of Athletics Ryan Erwin, RSU coaches, faculty and staff who have worked together in the Division II membership process.

Full, active membership in NCAA Division II is a three-year process, and RSU remains ineligible for NCAA postseason play until it completes the progression, but RSU will continue to play full NCAA and Heartland Conference schedules in 2014-15. The Hillcats completed their first year as members of the NCAA Division II Heartland Conference during the 2013-2014 season.

"As a university, we have worked hard to be able to advance into year two of the NCAA membership process," Erwin said. "The move to Division II is an institutional move and we could not have done it without the support and assistance from many members of the administration, faculty, staff, coaches and our student-athletes. The balancing of academics, athletics, service, and community engagement makes NCAA Division II an excellent fit for RSU.  I appreciate the dedication and hard work from our coaches, athletic staff and student-athletes as we make this transition and look forward to the future as full, active members of the NCAA."

With the successful completion of Candidacy Year Two of the NCAA Division II Membership Process at the end of the 2014-15 academic year, RSU then will enter the third year and final year during 2015-16, which is the provisional year. The provisional stage is set for evaluation if the institution is ready to become a full fledge member of NCAA Division II.

The committee's decision will be reviewed by the NCAA Division II Management Council as part of its regular process during its July 21-22 meeting, and if no further action is taken at that time, RSU will start Candidacy Year Two on Sept. 1.