A new chapter has begun for East Texas A&M University as the NCAA Division I Board of Directors officially approved the school’s full Division I membership during its meeting on June 23, 2025.
With the approval, East Texas A&M becomes the only NCAA Division I university in Northeast Texas and is now immediately eligible for NCAA postseason competition. The transition comes amid a period of growth for the university, including its recent designation as a Carnegie R2 research institution, record Fall 2024 enrollment, and the largest graduating class in the university’s history this spring.
The university began the Division I reclassification process on July 1, 2022, upon joining the Southland Conference. Over the last three years, the Lion Athletics program, which fields 14 sports teams, has celebrated 25 individual conference championships, multiple top-three conference finishes, four conference player of the year honors, three All-Americans, three Olympians, and one NFL Draft selection.
University President Mark Rudin said the achievement “reflects the dedication, perseverance, and passion of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and loyal supporters.”
Director of Athletics Jim Curry called the announcement a “proud moment in the rich history of East Texas A&M University and Lion Athletics,” noting the commitment of the university community to reaching the top level of collegiate athletics.
In addition to success in competition, the Lions excelled academically. Multiple athletic programs achieved perfect 1,000 APR scores, one student-athlete earned Academic All-America honors, and 609 student-athletes were named to the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll over the past three years, including a record total during the 2024-25 academic year.
Southland Conference Commissioner Chris Grant said the announcement is not only a milestone for East Texas A&M, but for the entire conference, highlighting the institution’s “ambition, investment, and drive.”
The Lions' first official Division I competition will take place on August 14, as the women’s soccer team hosts Little Rock. Volleyball, football, and cross country teams begin their seasons on August 29-30.
