(OLATHE, Kan.) – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced today that Marygrove College’s application to join the NAIA was approved by the NAIA Council of Presidents at the 66th annual NAIA National Convention, held March 16-20 in Kansas City, Missouri.

“Marygrove College is thrilled to join the NAIA. We are well aware of the association’s commitment to all aspects of student athletes’ development – academic, leadership, character and athleticism – and we know that the Marygrove students will benefit from and contribute to the high quality environment surrounding the NAIA,” said Marygrove College President Dr. David J. Fike.

Marygrove is a private liberal arts college located in Detroit, Michigan. Nearly 3,600 students attend classes in its undergraduate and graduate programs. The Marygrove Mustangs will compete in the NAIA and sponsor men’s and women’s basketball. The athletics program is under the leadership of director of athletics David Sichterman.
“The NAIA is committed to character-driven intercollegiate athletics and provides student-athletes an environment that values academic and athletic excellence,” said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. “Marygrove College shares the Association’s commitment to high standards and to the principle that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the total education process. The NAIA looks forward to the renewed partnership and is dedicated to provide services and memorable championship experiences for NAIA institutions and student-athletes.”

The national office works closely with member conferences to identify prospective members in the region. NAIA conferences are highly involved throughout the evaluation process to ensure a good fit for prospective institutions at both the conference and national levels.
NAIA

A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about the NAIA visit www.naia.org.
Marygrove College

Marygrove College, an independent Catholic liberal arts college sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, is committed to fostering Christian values, to educating students from diverse backgrounds, and to serving the people of Metropolitan Detroit and beyond. The fundamental purpose of Marygrove College is to educate each student toward intellectual and professional competence; toward career flexibility through grounding in the liberal arts; and toward active compassion and commitment. To learn more visit www.marygrove.edu.