Financially, the data analysis indicates that reclassification to Division III could be an option for Kentucky State, however the institution may be required to increase the number of sports sponsored to align more closely with other Division III athletics programs and increase funding for the additional sports programs. With respect to the HCAC, all ten of their members are private institutions and may not be open to adding Kentucky State as a public institution or Kentucky State may not find the HCAC to be a good fit institutionally.
The data analysis included the Mid-South Conference (MSC) a NAIA conference given their geographic proximity to Kentucky State. However, as with the HCAC, all seven member institutions are private institutions, and Kentucky State or the HCAC may feel it is not a good fit. Also, the median number of sports sponsored in the MSC is 24, twice the number offered by Kentucky State. Financially, there is a significant gap between Kentucky State's total athletics expense of $4.79 million and the median of $10.99 million for the MCS.
When compared to NCAA Division I, Kentucky State's athletics expenditure is approximately one-third of the median for the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), a conference in close proximity to Kentucky State and one that sponsors football in the Football Championship Subdivision(FCS). The median number of sports sponsored is 16. Ten of the 11 OVC institutions are public and much larger institutions on the whole than Kentucky State. The requirements for institutions wishing to reclassify to Division I are quite rigorous with respect to academic performance, institutional commitment to compliance and financial support, sports sponsorship, student-athlete services and competitiveness.
In conclusion, at this time Kentucky State University's NCAA Division II affiliation and membership in the SIAC appears to be the appropriate place for the athletics program. It is essential that the university take intentional and strategic steps to reinvest in the athletics program to be at the top of the SIAC. Strong and innovative leadership that is committed to a shared vision for the athletics program will make Kentucky State University attractive and viable for future opportunities.
Kentucky State University should be commended for its willingness to engage in this comprehensive Athletics Program Review and in-depth Feasibility Study to determine the future direction of its athletics program. Reinvigorating the athletics program will require a visible commitment from university leadership, identification and investment of resources and strategic positioning for the future. Phase III of this project will develop a Strategic Plan that will provide a roadmap for the Kentucky State athletics program.
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