Shawnee State’s Leap to Division II: A New Era in Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH, Ohio – In a move that signals ambition and regional impact, Shawnee State University is set to transition from the NAIA to NCAA Division II, joining the Mountain East Conference (MEC) as a full member beginning July 2026, with competition starting in the 2026–27 academic year.

Why This Matters

Shawnee State brings to the MEC:

• A thriving student body of ~3,500 with standout academic programs in game design, health professions, and engineering technology.
• A proud athletic legacy that includes NAIA national championships in men’s basketball (2021) and women’s basketball (1999).
• A strategic location in southern Ohio that complements MEC’s geographic footprint across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.

MEC Commissioner Reid Amos emphasized the alignment, noting that Shawnee State strongly complements the existing membership. The addition restores the MEC’s full-time membership count to 12.

The Football Factor

Shawnee State plans to launch its first-ever intercollegiate football program by no later than the 2028 season, a cornerstone of its broader NCAA transition strategy.

Early planning reportedly includes stadium renovations and a phased rollout strategy to ensure the football program is competitive from the outset. College athletics analysts and local sources indicate that Shawnee has already begun outlining facility upgrades and resource allocation to meet Title IX and Division II compliance.

Administrative documents and regional commentary suggest the program will be active by fall 2028—helping to fill a noticeable void in non-FBS college football across southeastern Ohio.

Transition Timeline Overview

Shawnee State is pursuing the NCAA’s Expedited Division II membership process, which would allow its teams to begin MEC play in 2026–27—even before full NCAA certification is complete.

Community & Institutional Momentum

“We are thrilled to welcome Shawnee State,” said Dr. Martin Roth, MEC Board President and University of Charleston President. He described the addition as strategically and geographically aligned with the league’s vision.

West Virginia State Athletic Director Nate Burton echoed the sentiment, calling it a “natural fit,” given the institutional size, mission, and proximity to current MEC members.

Shawnee State President Dr. Eric Braun described the move as a generational opportunity: “This transition presents exciting opportunities to elevate our programs, expand our reach, and deepen our commitment to academic and athletic excellence.”

Broader Implications

• The MEC returns to 12 full-time members, stabilizing after prior departures.
• The move strengthens regional rivalries and extends NCAA Division II athletics deeper into the Appalachian corridor.
• Shawnee State follows a model similar to Point Park University, which joined the MEC from the NAIA in 2024.

The Bigger Picture

Shawnee State’s jump to Division II marks a bold evolution for an under-the-radar institution. It’s an investment in student-athlete opportunity, regional athletics, and Portsmouth’s identity. Bringing football back to southeastern Ohio—an area historically passionate about the sport—is an especially powerful signal of community revitalization.

As the transition unfolds—and with NCAA approval expected later this year—Shawnee State’s journey will be closely watched as a blueprint for strategic growth in small-college American athletics.