Newman to be full member of MIAA

Via NewmanJets.com

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The MIAA announced Thursday that Newman University and Rogers State University have officially been accepted as full members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association.  The Jets and Hillcats will join 12 other MIAA member institutions after spending three seasons as associate members of the conference.

"Membership into the MIAA has been something that Newman University Athletics has had an interest in for a decade.  We are extremely honored and excited to be accepted into full membership of the MIAA.  Our coaches and student-athletes have worked very hard for this over the last three years.  We are up for the challenge and ready to represent Newman University and the MIAA both on and off the field," said Newman Director of Athletics Joanna Pryor. "I would like to thank the MIAA CEO's, AD's, SWA's, FAR's, and the conference office for their work in the membership process and allowing Newman University to showcase why we are a great university.  Last but not least, I would like to thank President Jagger for her support of Newman Athletics and her vision for the future. "

The Jets joined the MIAA along with the Hillcats in 2019-20 as associate members.  After a vote by member presidents this month, Newman has been accepted to full membership.

Newman University President Kathleen Jagger issued this statement: "Newman is proud and excited to become a full member of the Division II MIAA conference, one in which striving for excellence both on and off the field, court, or other performance location is expected. Although we are the only private school in the conference, we welcome the competition from other larger conference schools, and are confident we can live up to the MIAA conference standards. This opportunity is consistent with one of the primary focuses of our new strategic plan, providing an exceptional student experience to foster student success. Since nearly 40% of our undergraduate students are intercollegiate athletes, the athletic experience constitutes a major emphasis for many of our students in the degree of difference they experience. We are proud of our Newman players, coaches, and athletic administration led by our exceptional AD, Joanna Pryor, for reaching this membership goal. Through our associate membership period we have seen healthy rivalries emerge from conference play. We expect these to grow and flourish. Newman is grateful for the support of the MIAA administration, Mike Racy and his staff, and for the thoughtful consideration given us by leadership of other conference schools."

14 Newman sports will continue to participate for MIAA championships.  Women's Bowling will participate an associate member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

"The MIAA CEO Council's action this week culminated two years of study and discussion about membership and the strategic direction of the MIAA as the preeminent regional conference in NCAA Division II," said MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. "Newman's and Rogers State's geographic fit for current MIAA members, and their broad sports offerings, and our shared philosophy and values of NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics make both institutions great additions to the MIAA family.  We are excited to welcome NU and RSU as new members, and to identify Wichita and Tulsa as new communities with MIAA institutions."

Newman was founded in 1933 and is located in Wichita, Kansas. The Jets have competed as an associate member in MIAA wrestling since 2013. 13 more began competing in the MIAA in 2019-20.  As of July 1, 2022 Newman University will have full membership in the MIAA for the same 14 teams. To visit Newman's Athletic website, click here.

Rogers State was founded in 1909 and is located in Claremore, Oklahoma. The Hillcats join Newman as full MIAA members. RSU added athletics in 2005 and was approved for NCAA Division II membership in 2011 after competing in the NAIA. To visit the Rogers State Athletic website, click here.

The MIAA is one of the nation's oldest conferences and one of the most successful in NCAA Division II. The conference dates all the way back to 1912. The MIAA also has its own streaming network called The MIAA Network. Find more information about the association here.