DIVISION III PRESIDENTS QUARTERLY UPDATE - AUGUST 2026
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Along with this latest issue of the Quarterly Update, I send warm wishes as a new academic year begins. Our fall sports student-athletes recently arrived on campus, and once again the fields and gym are bustling with activity. This edition provides important updates, and I encourage you to review and discuss the included topics with your presidential colleagues, athletics direct reports, athletics directors, and commissioners.
DIVISION III ANALYSIS
During its early August videoconference, the Division III Presidents Council received an update from the consultants assisting with the DIII Analysis. The council also approved the recommendation from the Division III Analysis Working Group regarding the referral of options to existing governance committees and the membership to address tensions identified by the Division III membership. The council supported the working group continuing to build case studies to help frame membership discussions regarding eligibility and NIL. The council emphasized that any future proposed solutions should prioritize the student-athlete experience and be evaluated through a holistic lens that reflects the division’s unique identity. Throughout my experience chairing the Working Group, I have been equally grateful for and inspired by the members as they have spent hours upon hours digging into the data, feedback, and ideas on behalf of our membership and student-athletes. They have served us well. I encourage continued use of the Division III analysis website as a central resource to stay informed as this work progresses and further updates are made available.
DIVISION III BUDGET
The Council approved the fiscal year 2027 and 2028 budgets, as well as the 2027 strategic plan. The new budget will go into effect Sept. 1.
CAMPUS SENIOR LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
The council endorsed a campus senior leadership initiative designed to strengthen engagement and communication with campus senior leaders, including presidents, chancellors, and athletics direct reports. Through webinars, videoconferences, and in-person meetings, the initiative will provide opportunities for strategic discussions, strengthen understanding of Division III governance priorities, and foster more consistent and meaningful communication across institutional leadership. It also reflects a commitment to ensure senior leaders are appropriately informed and engaged in key issues impacting the division, while supporting a more connected and collaborative approach to Division III leadership and decision-making. The initiative will begin with the start of this 2026-27 academic year.
2027 CONVENTION PROPOSALS AND SCHEDULE
The council conducted a preliminary review of the 2027 legislative proposals that include up to eight potential membership proposals and two governance sponsored proposals. The governance proposals include the addition of women’s flag football as an NCAA National Collegiate Championship and to establish a flag football committee. The other governance proposal will permit individuals to enter into an agreement with an agent for the purpose of identifying or securing playing opportunities and receiving benefits prior to their initial, full-time collegiate enrollment. Click here for a chart outlining the initial 2027 legislative proposals.
In addition, beginning in 2027, the Convention will be designed specifically for Divisions II and III, as Division I will no longer hold in-person governance meetings or programming at the event. The revised schedule will allow most delegates to attend Wednesday through Friday, requiring only two hotel nights. Division III programming will continue to include its core governance and educational sessions while adding two division-specific educational sessions, as well as a welcome and keynote session followed by a joint reception with Division II.
ELECTION OF NEW CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR
The council elected a new chair and vice chair. Suzanne Davis, current council vice-chair and president of Greenville, will be the chair, while Alberto Cardelle, president of SUNY Oneonta, will be the vice chair. Their terms will begin after the 2027 NCAA Convention.
CONCLUSION
It is my intent that the quarterly update provides the necessary and critical information to assist you in the oversight of Division III athletics on your campus. You can find a full recap of the August Presidents Council meeting here and the Summary of Actions, which highlights all recent council actions. As always, I welcome any feedback or questions. Here’s to a successful new academic and DIII year!
DIVISION III GOVERNANCE STAFF THAT SUPPORTS PRESIDENTS COUNCIL
This email was sent to NCAA Division III presidents and chancellors;conference commissioners and athletics direct reports based on contact information in the NCAA Directory.
