INDIANAPOLIS — University of Jamestown has been approved for active NCAA Division II membership and will be fully eligible for NCAA and Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference competition beginning with the 2026-27 academic year.

"The NSIC would like to congratulate the University of Jamestown on achieving full NCAA Division II membership," said NSIC Commissioner Erin Lind. "This milestone is a testament to the university's commitment to excellence and the dedication of its leadership, coaches, staff, and student-athletes throughout the membership transition process. We are excited to officially welcome the Jimmies as full members of the NSIC and look forward to their continued success."

After successfully completing the NCAA's expedited provisional membership process, the Jimmies are now eligible to compete in all NSIC championship events and NCAA postseason competition. The transition marks the completion of the University's move from the NAIA to NCAA Division II.

"Today's announcement affirms the vision and commitment that have guided our NCAA Division II transition from the very beginning," said University of Jamestown President Dr. Polly Peterson. "I am incredibly proud of the way our teams competed alongside the outstanding NSIC institutions during our inaugural year in the conference. This milestone marks the final step in our journey to becoming a full NCAA Division II and NSIC member, with the opportunity to compete for conference and national championships. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this milestone possible and are excited for the future of the University of Jamestown." 

As an active NCAA Division II member, Jamestown also receives voting privileges on NCAA legislation and governance matters, access to NCAA branding and membership resources, and full eligibility for NCAA regional and national rankings. In addition, Jimmie student-athletes are now eligible for NCAA postseason awards, including All-America recognition.

"Moving to NCAA Division II was never simply about changing athletic divisions," Peterson said. "It was about ensuring our athletics program reflected the university we are today—a comprehensive institution with expanding academic programs, growing graduate and doctoral offerings, and a presence that reaches well beyond Jamestown. Today's announcement is another reflection of that progress and of our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for every student."

About the NSIC
The NSIC is a 16-team, 18-sport, NCAA Division II conference with institutions located in Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The NSIC is a model Division II conference that uses high-level athletics competition to develop champions in the classroom and community while empowering student-athletes to be impactful and positive leaders. Formed in 1992 by the merger of the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (men's league) and the Northern Sun Conference (women's league), the NSIC has flourished over the past three decades, maturing into a union of Upper Midwest colleges and universities. The NSIC has won 27 team national championships and crowned 128 individual national champions. For additional information, visit NorthernSun.org.

About University of Jamestown
University of Jamestown is consistently ranked as a top regional university in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1883 as Jamestown College, UJ is a private, Christian liberal arts institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. At the bachelor's level, students can pursue degrees in the arts, sciences, and nursing. The university also grants master's degrees in business, education, leadership, technology and clinical counseling. Additionally, UJ provides doctoral programs in clinical research, leadership, and physical therapy. To expand access to its high-quality education, University of Jamestown launched UJ Accelerated, its online division, which delivers intensive upskilling opportunities to learners across diverse settings. For more information about academic offerings, campus life, and online programs, please visit UJ.edu.