LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (June 18, 2019) – Bellarmine’s move to DI is official as all the ASUN Presidents unanimously voted Bellarmine in as their 10th member. As part of this transition, Collegiate Consulting was retained to conduct BU’s s divisional feasibility study to assist the institution with their decision to transition their remaining 22 Division II sports to Division I. The comprehensive Feasibility Study, which was completed in January 2019, was part of the institution’s comprehensive review of its intercollegiate athletic program.
The study provided a detailed Division I overview and compared BU to the Atlantic Sun Conference. The study also offered benchmarking data including financial comparisons, as well as a series of recommendations for BU to consider for their move to Division I. Collegiate Consulting developed a five-year pro-forma as part of the feasibility study, ending with the 2024-25 season, with Bellarmine officially becoming a member of the ASUN on July 1, 2020.
Athletic Director, Scott Wiegandt released the following the statement:
“In January 2019, Bellarmine began developing a new strategic plan to shape the university’s future,” the statement said. “In addition to a number of academic and administrative priorities, the plan calls for the university to review its athletics conference and divisional alignment. The goal of this review is to ensure the university is maximizing student opportunities for leadership and growth, alumni engagement, and the reach, visibility and impact of Bellarmine both regionally and nationally. This process is under way, with opportunities for continued input from the Bellarmine community.”
In addition to Bellarmine’s Division I Feasibility Study, Collegiate Consulting, has conducted the Division I Studies for Merrimack College, University of North Alabama, California Baptist University, Dixie State University, University of Massachusetts – Lowell, Northern Kentucky University and Grand Canyon University, who have all successfully transitioned to Division I.
Atlanta-based Collegiate Consulting was founded in 2005 and has serviced more than 575 institutions, conferences, and organizations from 48 states in the U.S., as well as completed international projects in Canada and the United Kingdom. Collegiate Consulting’s customers represent NCAA Division I, II, and III; NAIA; and international institutions.