North Carolina Central will become the 13th member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on July 1, 2010. The Eagles are in their third year of reclassification from Division II to Division I.

North Carolina Central was one of the seven founding members of the MEAC but withdrew from the league in 1979 when it reclassified to Division I. The Eagles were members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association from 1979-2007.

“This is a significant milestone in North Carolina Central University’s transition to Division I,” said Chancellor Charlie Nelms. “Membership in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is a win-win proposition for our student-athletes, alumni and fans – indeed, all our university constituents.”

The milestone is significant for the MEAC as well. In March 2009, the conference presidents lifted a moratorium on new members, with the hope of expanding to 14 schools.

Over the last year, Commissioner Dennis Thomas worked with member schools to create a strategic plan for the conference, and identified North Carolina Central as a good membership fit geographically and academically. The Eagles are the fourth MEAC school located in the Carolinas, joining Winston-Salem State, North Carolina A&T and South Carolina State.

The MEAC last expanded in 2007, when Winston-Salem State became the 12th member.