The University of Wisconsin-Parkside will join the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) as a full member in 2018-19, Chancellor Deborah L. Ford and Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin announced to the Ranger student-athletes on Monday afternoon in conjunction with GLIAC Commissioner Kris Dunbar.
 
The move became official when University officials accepted an invitation from Dunbar and Dr. Donald Bachand, the President of Saginaw Valley State University and the chair of the GLIAC's Presidents Council. The invitation was extended with unanimous support from the GLIAC's membership.
 
"As we embark on a new era of Ranger Athletics and prepare to celebrate 50 years as a University, what an incredible opportunity to join the nation's premier Division II conference in 2018-19," Gavin said. "As a conference committed to student success in and out of competition, the values of GLIAC and its membership align closely with the values of UW-Parkside and our athletics department."
 
UW-Parkside will officially enter the GLIAC on July 1, 2018 and will immediately enjoy complete membership rights, including eligibility to participate in postseason tournaments and championships and full voting rights.
 
"UW Parkside is a top notch institution with outstanding leadership," Dunbar said. "The athletic teams have had proven success in the past and can continue those traditions in the GLIAC. They will be a strong addition to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference." 
 
In 2018-19, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference will feature 12 member institutions from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin sponsoring 21 NCAA Division II sports. Founded in 1972, the GLIAC has developed into one of the most nationally competitive athletic conferences, both on the field and in the classroom.
 
UW-Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford describes the new partnership with the GLIAC as a "great fit" for UW-Parkside student-athletes and coaches. "The GLIAC aligns with the values of UW-Parkside and our commitment to always put students first," Ford said. "Our student-athletes and coaches are excited about this new opportunity. We have competed with GLIAC schools for years and have enjoyed the sportsmanship and spirit of those games, matches, and meets. We look forward to continuing that competitive tradition."

In 2016-17, three GLIAC schools won team national championships and seven different schools finished in the top-60 nationally in the Learfield Directors' Cup. In the past two years, 59 student-athletes around the conference have garnered CoSIDA Academic All-American accolades.
 
Beginning in 2018-19, the conference will consist of Ashland University, Davenport University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Lake Superior State University, Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, Northwood University, Purdue University Northwest, Saginaw Valley State University, Wayne State University and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
 
UW-Parkside sponsors 15 sports: baseball, men's and women's soccer, basketball, indoor/outdoor track and field, cross country, men's golf, softball, volleyball and wrestling. They will compete as an independent in wrestling, which is no longer a GLIAC sponsored sport.
 
"UW-Parkside fits in well with our current members both in terms of high academic standards and a commitment to compete at the highest level of NCAA Division II athletics," Bachand said. "After visiting with Chancellor Ford and others, we were convinced that UW-Parkside is serious about seeing their student-athletes succeed academically and in their chosen sport.  We welcome them into the GLIAC and know their addition will strengthen an already strong conference."