Southeastern University Accepted Into the NAIA

Southeastern University was officially approved for admission into the National Athletic Intercollegiate Association by the NAIA Council of Presidents during the NAIA National Convention on April 13 in Louisville, Ky.

Southeastern could become an active member as soon Fall 2008.

"This is the next logical step in the life of a great university," said Southeastern President Mark Rutland. "As we say around here, 'A rising tide lifts all the boats,' and Southeastern University's athletics boat is definitely rising."

The Southeastern Athletics Department made the announcement during a press conference today at the school's campus.

"This is a historic day for Southeastern," said Southeastern University Athletics Director Duane Aagaard. "The NAIA core values and Champions of Character fit our mission statement as a university very well."

Southeastern has been a non-scholarship athletics program since athletics began at the university back in the early 1950s.

The Fire is an active member of the National Christian College Athletic Association, and it will continue to be a member as Southeastern will have a dual affiliation with the NAIA and the NCCAA.

With its acceptance into the NAIA, Southeastern targets the fall of 2009 as the year the university will begin to give athletic aid to student athletes.

This is yet another feather in Southeastern's cap. Enrollment reached an estimated 3,050 students for the 2007-08 academic year, which set a record for the ninth straight year.

Southeastern is a four-year, coeducational, Christian liberal arts university, accredited to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Located in Lakeland, Florida, the university offers 43 undergraduate majors and four graduate programs, and has captured national attention for its rapid growth in enrollment and facilities in recent years.