Dominican in the News: An exciting opportunity for Dominican University
Monday, June 23, 2008
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Posted by: Dana Mallozzi
An exciting opportunity for Dominican University
Marin Independant Journal Article: 06/19/2008
OVER the past decade, Dominican University in San Rafael has been going through a transformation that appears to have blended its small-school charm with potential for expanding its horizons as a center for higher learning.
A series of new buildings and other improvements has provided students with greater academic opportunities and moved the school into the 21st century. This year, enrollment topped 2,100. The university has expanded its courses in sustainability and the sciences.
Dominican is now ready to take another step forward as it explores an opportunity to join the National Collegiate Athletic Association, competing as a Division II school in both men's and women's sports.
Dominican's intercollegiate athletic program has grown dramatically over the past few years. It has won 20 league titles since joining the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics in 1996.
Joining the NCAA is both a golden opportunity and a challenge for Dominican. It changes the program's competitive dynamics, sending Penguin teams on the road. The league includes colleges in Hawaii, Utah and Arizona. But it also boosts Dominican's image and the reputation of its athletic programs. Both should help attract students and help build support for its sports teams and the university beyond its campus boundaries.
It's an exciting opportunity for Dominican, but one that the university should approach with caution, making sure that pursuit of athletic success does not detract from its emphasis on academics.
The Penguins may be a long way from rivaling the basketball dynasties of UCLA or North Carolina, but joining the NCAA would be a significant milestone in Dominican's continued development as a vibrant, diverse and well-rounded university.
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