Board decides to keep EWU athletics in Division I, Big Sky

The Eastern Washington University Board of Trustees on Friday accepted the plan presented by interim President David May to keep EWU athletics in Division I and the Big Sky Conference.

The proposal calls for creating a fiscally responsible path forward through increased fundraising and a refocusing of resources.

May delivered his recommendation to the BOT on May 21, after a 10-month Athletics Review process that included stakeholders from EWU and the community, as well as an independent consultant's report.

May's analysis emphasized that athletics is an integral part of the EWU fabric and mission, providing opportunities and fostering diversity campus-wide. He believes the potential benefits of athletics are most effectively realized by staying in the Big Sky.

"We will immediately begin work on a plan to create a sustainable path for athletics so it can remain a vibrant part of the culture of our campus and community," May said.

Among the other options suggested were dropping football, or dropping Eastern's athletic programs to Division II or Division III. EWU has been a Division I program since 1983, when it moved up to Division II.

"This is also a call to action, and we are committed to continued improvement in being more efficient in operations and fundraising as well as working to strengthen our engagement with the whole campus," EWU athletic director Lynn Hickey said.

In approving the recommendation, many board members reiterated the need to improve private fundraising for athletics while ensuring the department follows a clear budgetary plan. Members also talked about the importance of athletics to the institution.

"I believe Dr. May's recommendation for staying in NCAA Division I and the Big Sky Conference is the right thing to do," board chair Vicki Wilson said. "I believe athletics is a big part of our mission and our vision. When I visit with other alumni like myself, the conversation often starts with athletics but always moves into academics and our programs and what they do for the 'whole' university experience for Eastern Washington University."

May said he hopes to present a complete plan to the BOT at its regular October board meeting.