Issue date: 3/22/07 Section: News

"Our faculty and students are competing every day at the highest levels nationally in academics," Vandegrift said. "On the other hand, our athletes, who are very fine young men and women, are competing at the Division II level, which is not the highest national level. And I think … that it's time the athletes had an opportunity … to stand up and compete at the highest level nationally, and that's what we will do in our move to Division I."

Well aware of Division I detractors, Vandegrift acknowledged, in an interview following the awards ceremony, the inevitable increase in student fees, but said he feels the move is worth it.

"I'm not saying $150 a year isn't important - every dollar is important for a college student," Vandegrift said. "But for the value added, I think it provides us an opportunity to move up to that level."

While DI is a current issue, future plans for SIUE will remain focused on education, according to Vandegrift.

"We're going to continue in our quest to be nationally recognized … We're going to continue to emphasize quality academics," Vandegrift said.

Also honored at the event were Rep. Jay Hoffman of the Illinois 112th District, Managing Director of Madison County Transit Jerry Kane and Kerry Smith, founder of the Illinois Business Journal.

< prev Page 2 of 2

Article Tools