University Stakeholder Perceptions of NCAA Reclassification during the Transition Period: A Case Study of the University of North Alabama

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions that university administrators, athletic department staff, head coaches, college athletes and faculty hold regarding the reclassification process to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. This study examined the perceptions of stakeholders from the University of North Alabama, which reclassified from NCAA Division II to Division I from 2018 to 2022. Previous literature has examined the ramifications of NCAA reclassification. This includes the relationship between NCAA reclassification and the impact on academic performance, student recruitment, the psychological well-being on college athletes, and economic impact on athletic departments. This study attempts to add to previous research by focusing on the experiences of several types of stakeholders during the four-year reclassification period, where most studies have researched why institutions decided to reclassify or the long-term consequences. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 participants. Responses from the participants provided insight regarding how they thought different NCAA bylaws impacted the university and how athletic department resources were or should have been utilized. Next, the present study sought to learn about the impact of other NCAA Division I institutions located near the university, as well as the university’s local community, and the transition period's impact on morale and the athletic department's identity. Overall, the current research intends to provide a better understanding of the transition period experience for the employees and athletes at institutions that reclassify to Division I in the future.