Georgia Southern Study Complete: No FBS (DI-A) Football Anytime Soon

STATESBORO, Ga. - Georgia Southern University released Thursday (July 30) its Football Reclassification Analysis as developed under contract by the consulting firm of Rosser International, Inc., McGee-Geiger and CSL International. Prepared to examine and assess the University's position and potential for elevating its football program to the NCAA Division-I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the document contains an extensive review of facilities, current and future scholarship allotments and budget considerations and comparisons. The study provides a roadmap for activity and minimum necessary funding for reclassification. The full report is available for review at www.GeorgiaSouthern.edu/athleticstudy.

University officials announced plans for a prospective study in November 2007 and initial analysis began in June 2008. Surveys, public forums and meetings with various constituents continued through the early part of 2009. As requested, the consultants reassessed some initial projections to more accurately reflect the current and foreseeable economic landscape.

"With the multitude of factors that had to be analyzed, this study helped the University identify the resources required to succeed at our current level of competition and identify the improvements and facilities needed should the University elect to pursue this change", said Ron Core, vice president for business and finance. "It is important for us not to underestimate the funding required and at the same time, maintain a realistic perspective of potential funding sources."

Further analysis and discussion of the research, survey results and funding sources will assist University and athletics department administration in determining a future course of action. The NCAA-mandated moratorium on any reclassification continues through December 2011. Currently, the 15 sports programs sponsored by the University (football, baseball, men's and women's basketball, cross country, men's golf, men's and women's soccer, softball, women's swimming, men's and women's tennis, indoor and outdoor track and volleyball) compete at the NCAA Division-I level.

Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers 115 degree programs serving nearly 18,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia's largest, is a top choice of Georgia's HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.