RIVERSIDE, California (February 2, 2017) – California Baptist University has announced that, following a multi-year transition, their athletics program will join the NCAA’s Division I as a member of the Western Athletic Conference. The Lancers appointed Collegiate Consulting to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study and development of Strategic Plan for the program. The study, completed in September of 2016, included an exploration of Division I opportunities, an analysis of the WAC, and an assessment of the current athletic program.
“This is an exciting opportunity for California Baptist, and they will make a terrific addition to the Western Athletic Conference,” stated Russell Wright, Managing Director of Collegiate Consulting. “The program is well positioned to be competitive within the conference and Division I, and we are glad to be a part of this process.”
CBU is currently a member of the NCAA DII Pacific West Conference, and will maintain eligibility for all PacWest championships as well as NCAA DII postseason play during the 2017-18 season. On July 1, 2018, California Baptist University will join the WAC and the NCAA DI as a member institution.
About Collegiate Consulting: Collegiate Consulting is a comprehensive solutions-based consulting company focused exclusively on the collegiate marketplace. Featuring a team of experienced and proven individuals, Collegiate Consulting enables athletic departments and conferences to increase revenue, create efficiencies and maximize operations to succeed and prosper in a diverse climate. Collegiate Consulting was founded as a partnership with Strategic Marketing Affiliate in 2005, and since its inception, has worked with over 500 institutions.
About California Baptist University: Founded in 1950, CBU is one of the premier private Christian universities in Southern California. With an entirely Christian staff, this liberal arts institution offers its 9,157 students (Fall 2016) 72 bachelor degree programs, with 150 major and 47 minor concentrations, as well as 25 master degree programs.