When NCAA Division II institutions define community, we assume that task with a heightened sense of obligation, potential and responsibility.
Our campuses provide a means for learning, service, economic development, cultural and social engagement, wellness and fitness, and community development. These elements we share as Division II institutions have focused our energies on providing tools and resources to enhance our collective and institutional identities to those communities we serve.
These elements came into focus in June 2005 as chancellors and presidents from across Division II gathered to affirm our common commitments and begin to articulate with clarity and pride the strategic direction of Division II. The strategic position of Division II aligns the values of academic achievement with high-level athletic competition in a setting that provides student-athletes, our future leaders, with an opportunity to be a part of an environment that is committed to building strong bridges with the communities we live in.
Engaging our communities actively in the life of our campuses is a key component to the overall experience and development of our students. Engaging our campuses in the life of our communities helps build strong relationships that benefit the institution. Great things are already occurring on our Division II campuses and much more is possible.
Under the enthusiastic leadership of Dr. Rich Luker, Chief Strategy Officer, Relay Sponsorship and Event Marketing, and a Division II Community Advisory Group (comprised of Division II presidents and chancellors, athletics directors, faculty, commissioners and student-athletes), an initiative is being developed to assist willing Division II institutions in their efforts to better connect and engage with their communities. Through this initiative, an interactive toolkit will be developed to assist those institutions that wish to heighten their level of involvement in the community or provide a mechanism to shine a light on those Division II programs currently engaged in their communities.
Together and through the strategic positioning and community engagement initiatives, we will continue to strengthen our Division II identity locally and broaden the regional awareness of why our students, faculty, staff and local community leaders say, “I Chose Division II.”
Chuck Ambrose
President, Pfeiffer University
Chair, Division II Presidents Council
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