News & Media

Lackawanna College has received an invitation to join the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II conference, nationally recognized for its athletic competitiveness, academic integrity, and commitment to student-athlete development.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Student Union, where college leadership unveiled plans for the institution’s transition from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) to NCAA Division II competition in the next few years.

A New Step for Lackawanna’s Athletics

At the press conference, Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill A. Murray and Director of Athletics Erik Larson were joined by PSAC Commissioner Steve Murray to unveil a banner marking the milestone for Lackawanna’s athletics program and reinforcing the continued growth of one of the nation’s premier Division II athletic conferences.

“This is a transformative moment for Lackawanna College. We are committed to finding innovative ways to broaden our offerings in both academics and athletics so that students of all backgrounds can pursue their dreams,” said Dr. Jill A. Murray, President of Lackawanna College. “Our invitation to join the PSAC is a direct result of this mission and validates the investments we’ve made in academic quality, athletic infrastructure, and student-athlete success. We are proud to join a conference known for its excellence both on the field and in the classroom.”

Benefits for Student Athletes

The move to NCAA Division II will expand opportunities for current and future students. The college’s two-year athletics program will develop into a four-year program, allowing student-athletes to complete their bachelor’s degrees while competing at the Division II level.

“Our invitation to join the PSAC is a key milestone in the history of our athletic department and could not have been realized without the efforts of our coaches, students and leadership who believed in our strategic vision and our commitment to excellence,” said Erik Larson, Director of Athletics at Lackawanna College. “This move allows us to elevate our athletics programs to new heights. Our student-athletes will now compete at the highest level of NCAA Division II athletics with increased exposure, scholarship opportunities, and academic support. We are honored to be welcomed into the conference.”

Moving Forward

Lackawanna College and the PSAC have begun the membership process and are working together to prepare for integration. The transition process will be collaborative to ensure a smooth shift to NCAA Division II competition.

“We are excited to offer Lackawanna College membership to the PSAC and to support them on their path toward membership in the NCAA Division II. It’s a new era in collegiate athletics, and this is a new paradigm for the PSAC as we welcome Lackawanna to the Conference,” said Steve Murray, Commissioner of PSAC. “President Jill Murray’s vision for Lackawanna College is remarkable, and we believe that the movement to a four-year athletics program and Division II supports that vision and the future of the institution. The PSAC and its member institutions are committed to making this a successful transition for the Falcon’s athletics program.”

Lackawanna College will be the third institution nationally to transition from the NJCAA directly to NCAA Division II and the first to do so with a football program.

About Lackawanna College

Founded in 1894, Lackawanna College is a private, non-profit institution offering 8 bachelor’s degree programs and 31 associate degree programs, along with more than 40 Continuing Education and professional certificates. Along with its main Scranton campus, the college offers six other locations throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania. In 2021, Lackawanna College was recognized as one of Fast Company’s world’s most innovative companies and also earned recognition as one the Fastest Growing Colleges by The Chronicle of Higher Education. In 2023 and 2024, Lackawanna College was awarded the classification of one the Great Colleges to Work For by Modern Think.

About the PSAC

Headquartered in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference is an NCAA Division II Conference comprised of 17 campuses in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The members are: Bloomsburg, California (PA), Clarion, East Stroudsburg University, Edinboro, Gannon University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown University, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville University, The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Seton Hill University, Shepherd University, Shippensburg University, Slippery Rock University, and West Chester University.