D2 Schools in Tennessee

Hey everyone! I'm a junior from Tennessee and I'm starting my college search process. I'm an athlete and would like to continue playing in college but I also value my academics. Can anyone provide any insight into D2 schools here in Tennessee? What's the academic and athletic environment like?

Absolutely! Let's discuss a few of the Division II schools in Tennessee.

1. Carson-Newman University: Carson-Newman is known for its collegiate sports teams and close-knit community. It offers more than 50 academic programs including Business, Education, and Nursing. Athletically, Carson-Newman competes in the South Atlantic Conference, with strong programs in football and softball among others.

2. Christian Brothers University: CBU offers small class sizes, which allows for close interactions with professors and peers. They offer a variety of majors across the arts, business, engineering, and science disciplines. Their athletic teams, known as the Bucs, compete strongly in sports like soccer and golf.

3. King University: Known for its programs in Nursing, Business, and Education, King University offers students a personalized educational experience with small class sizes. King's teams, known as the Tornado, are competitive in wrestling, cycling, volleyball, and others in the Conference Carolinas.

4. Lee University: Lee stands out for its liberal arts education and Christian background. It offers degrees in various disciplines including Business, Psychology, and Music. Athletically, Lee's Flames and Lady Flames compete vigorously, excelling in sports such as soccer and basketball.

5. Lincoln Memorial University (LMU): LMU has a strong focus on professional development with an impressive array of academic programs in healthcare, business, humanities, and science. The Railsplitters compete robustly in sports like basketball and baseball.

6. Tusculum University: As the oldest university in Tennessee, Tusculum offers a rich educational experience with strong programs in Business, Education, and Health Science wherein the emphasis is on "Civic Arts," or active participation in community service. Their Pioneers give a spirited competition, especially in football and softball.

While the competitiveness of athletics and rigor of academics can greatly vary, most D2 schools balance their focus on both areas. In terms of an academic environment at these institutions, expect a more intimate classroom setting with lower student to faculty ratio. Meanwhile, in terms of the athletic environment, you can expect a competitive but balanced approach to sports. Keep in mind, athletic environments can heavily depend on the sport in question, too!

While exploring these schools, be sure to reach out to their respective admissions offices and athletic departments in order to gauge whether they meet your specific academic and athletic goals. Additionally, speaking with current athletes from these institutions could provide more personal insights into the specific athletic environment and how well it balances with academics. Good luck with your search!