The St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) announced that Spalding University has been accepted as a full member of the Conference beginning with the 2009-10 academic year. The SLIAC Presidents' Council unanimously approved the addition.

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, Spalding is repeating its first year of Division III provisional membership in 2008 – 2009. If the Golden Eagles progress through the four years of provisional membership as planned, they would gain full NCAA membership in 2012-2013. Spalding currently competes in 10 sports including men's and women's basketball, men's and women's soccer and baseball.

"We are pleased to welcome a new partner to the SLIAC and excited by what the institution brings. The Conference, at all levels from Presidents to student-athletes, has been intrigued and quite impressed by Spalding University from the start of the courting process," SLIAC Commissioner William J. Wolper said.

With the anticipated departure of Maryville (Mo.) to Division II after the 2008 – 2009 athletic season, the SLIAC would remain at nine full members. Spalding will be the first full member outside Missouri and Illinois. The Conference added Huntingdon (Montgomery, Ala.) and LaGrange (LaGrange, Ga.) as football only playing members this fall.