The University of St. Thomas has received approval to begin reclassification from Division III to Division I, making it the first school in the NCAA’s modern era to make that transition, president Julie Sullivan announced in an email Wednesday.

Sullivan wrote that the university has accepted invitations to join the Summit League for 19 sports, as well as the Pioneer Football League and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association women’s league, and that St. Thomas will begin competing in those leagues in the 2021-2022 academic year. No decision has been made for the men’s hockey program.

Traditionally, the NCAA has not allowed D-III schools to reclassify directly to D-I, instead requiring a school to compete at the Division II level before moving to D-I.

“Today, as much as ever, I’m proud to be a Tommie as we look to our university’s future,” Phil Esten, St. Thomas vice president and director of athletics, said in a written statement. “I thank the leadership at the NCAA, The Summit League, Pioneer Football League, WCHA and all who have supported our efforts. This decision aligns with our university’s bold vision to ever press forward. I am excited to compete in Division I, while ensuring conditions for our student-athletes to pursue comprehensive excellence.”

The NCAA’s Division I Strategic Vision and Planning Committee announced in June a potential method for Division III universities to become Division I members, a plan that will be voted on by April 2021. Despite the voting deadline, the committee also revealed its willingness to consider a waiver from St. Thomas and the Summit League.

After June’s decision, the university filed a waiver, which was approved Wednesday at the NCAA Council’s meeting.

The university must still undergo the proposed four-year reclassification process and will be unable to compete in NCAA-sponsored team and individual championships during the transition period.

During reclassification, the committee will review the school’s progress each year.

Sullivan noted in her email that funding for the D-I transition will primarily come from incremental athletics revenue, Board of Trustees start-up funds and philanthropy. She assured that expenses will be managed and timed so that they do not interfere with academics.

Summit League Commissioner Tom Douple praised the university in the St. Thomas email announcement.

“St. Thomas brings the full package – an excellent academic reputation, experienced leadership, a massive alumni network and a winning culture,” Douple said. “With their values-based mission and status as Minnesota’s largest private university, we know the Tommies will represent The Summit League well and we’re proud to welcome them.”

The other conferences echoed those sentiments in the St. Thomas announcement.

“The addition of St. Thomas enhances the WCHA regional footprint and further diversifies our incredible league,” said Jennifer Flowers, WCHA Women’s League commissioner. “We look forward to expanding our Twin Cities fan base by welcoming the passionate Tommie fans. The WCHA is proud to be the women’s hockey home for the University of St. Thomas.”

Patty Viverito, Pioneer Football League commissioner, called St. Thomas “one of the NCAA’s most successful football programs at any level over the past decade, and they live their university mission off the field, which makes them an outstanding institutional fit for us. We are thrilled to expand to the Twin Cities.”

St. Thomas was involuntarily removed from the MIAC in May 2019. It announced its intention to move to Division I after the university was invited to join the Summit League in October.

Emily Haugen can be reached at haug7231@stthomas.edu.