ATLANTA – (July 16, 2026) – At its June meeting, the NCAA Division I Membership Committee approved key steps in the Division I reclassification process for the University of West Florida and the University of New Haven. Both institutions utilized Collegiate Consulting for their respective DI Feasibility Studies; assist with securing conference invitation; and support in their membership application/annual reclassification reporting requirements.
Effective August 1, 2026, the University of West Florida will begin the NCAA Division I reclassification process and the University of New Haven has advanced to Year Two of its Division I transition following the committee’s review of annual progress reports from institutions transitioning from Division II.
These actions represent the next phase in each institution’s long-term plan to transition its athletics program to Division I, aligned with its overall institutional objectives.
“Successfully navigating the Division I reclassification process requires vision, institutional commitment, and disciplined execution,” said Russell Wright, Founder & Managing Director of Collegiate Consulting. “These actions by the NCAA recognize the progress both universities have made and reflect years of thoughtful planning by campus leadership. We congratulate West Florida and New Haven on reaching these important milestones.”
Founded in 2005, Collegiate Consulting has worked with over 750 universities, colleges, conferences, and associations across the country. In the past 20 years, Collegiate Consulting has worked with 20-of-the-30 NCAA DI reclassifying institutions.