Lyon College Football: A History of Revival and Transition
Lyon College, the oldest college in Arkansas, boasts a rich history dating back to its founding as Arkansas College in 1872. While the institution is primarily known for its liberal arts education, its athletic programs, particularly football, have experienced periods of both prominence and dormancy. This article explores the history of Lyon College football, from its early years to its recent revival and transition to NCAA Division III.
Early Years and Hiatus
Founded by Arkansas Presbyterians, Lyon College, originally named Arkansas College, first opened its doors in September 1872. For much of its first four decades, the College remained under the guidance of the Long family. Rev. Isaac J. Long served as president from the College's founding until his death in 1891, and his son, Eugene R. Long, served two terms as president, from 1891 to 1895 and 1897 to 1913. From its beginning, the College was co-educational and remained dedicated to a classical course of study into the early 20th century. The College expanded after World War I when administrators purchased land in the East End Heights section of town, later known as the middle campus.
Lyon College's football program, like many small college programs, has experienced periods of inactivity. After fielding a team for a number of years, the program was discontinued for 62 years.
The Revival of Football in 2013
In 2013, Lyon College made the momentous decision to reinstate its football program after a 62-year hiatus. This decision marked a new chapter in the college's athletic history and generated excitement among students, alumni, and the local community. Six-foot-three, 266-pound tight end Garett Denton of Batesville became the first Lyon College football player since 1951 when he signed a letter of intent Aug. 20, 2013. Fall 2015 marked the beginning of competition.
Building a Program
The process of rebuilding a football program from scratch is a challenging one, requiring significant investment in facilities, coaching staff, and player recruitment. Lyon College faced these challenges head-on, working diligently to create a competitive program that would represent the college with pride. Kirk Kelley was named Lyon College Football Coach on July 22, 2013.
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Early Competition
In 2015 Lyon joined the Central States Football League. The Lyon Scots football team represents Lyon College in college football at the NCAA Division III level. In November 2022, the Scots football team ended its final Sooner Athletic Conference season with a loss at Texas Wesleyan.
Transition to NCAA Division III
Under President Melissa Taverner, Lyon College is transitioning to NCAA Division III for Lyon College Athletics, a move that embraces the College’s dedication to academics and will allow the College to compete against other selective colleges with similar academic expectations. The transition to NCAA Division III signifies a commitment to aligning athletics with the college's academic mission, emphasizing the holistic development of student-athletes. In 2024, Lyon College football is headed to the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC). Lyon College athletics announced a full transition from NAIA to NCAA Division III by 2026.
Chris Douglas Era
Chris Douglas was hired as Lyon head football coach.
College Leadership and Impact
Throughout its history, Lyon College has been guided by a succession of presidents who have shaped the institution's mission and direction. Several presidents have had a particularly significant impact on the college's development.
Rev. Isaac J. Long
The Reverend Isaac J. Long served as president from the College’s founding until his death in 1891.
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Eugene R. Long
Eugene R. Long served two terms as president, from 1891 to 1895 and 1897 to 1913.
Dr. Paul M. McCain
In 1952, Dr. Paul M. McCain succeeded the Reverend John D. Spragins as president of the College.
President Dan C. West
During the 1970s and 1980s, President Dan C. West oversaw the implementation of significant curricular reforms, the introduction of innovative fundraising techniques, and the development of the Scottish Heritage Program.
President John V. Griffith
In the 1990s, President John V. Griffith led a strategic planning process that placed the College on the path to distinction as a national liberal arts institution. During Griffith’s tenure, the College changed its curriculum and built or expanded several buildings, including the Holloway Theatre (1991); the Lyon Business and Economics Building (1993); the president’s residence, Bradley Manor (1994); and the upper division residence hall, Young House (1993).
Dr. Walter Roettger
Dr. Walter Roettger became the 16th president of Lyon in 1998 and continued the transformation that his predecessor had put into motion.
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Dr. Donald Weatherman
In 2009, Dr. Donald Weatherman, a former Lyon professor of political philosophy, became the 17th president of Lyon.
Dr. W. Joseph King
Dr. W. Joseph King succeeded Weatherman as the 18th president of Lyon College in 2017. Under his leadership, the ROTC military science concentration and the exercise science major and minor were approved in the spring of 2019. A new data science degree followed in April 2020. Dr. King also played a key role in making Lyon the first and only pet-friendly campus in the state.
Dr. Melissa Taverner
Dr. Melissa Taverner succeeded Dr. King as the 19th president of Lyon College in 2022. She oversaw the transition to NCAA Division III for Lyon College Athletics, a move that embraced the College’s dedication to academics and allowed the College to compete against other selective colleges with similar academic expectations. Additionally, she has been instrumental in organizing a partnership with White River Health on an RN-to-BSN nursing program at Lyon.
Other Key Moments in Lyon College History
Lyon College has experienced many pivotal moments that have shaped its identity and mission.
Fire of 2010
On October 26, 2010, a fire destroyed Edwards Commons, which included the dining hall, student center, and student life offices. A new campus center, also named Edwards Commons, opened in August 2012.
Academic Expansion
The French major was added to the curriculum. In the fall of 2012, the College began an assessment and prioritization of all academic and administrative programs, a process designed to position the College for sustainability and growth.
New Programs
Under President Roettger, the curriculum continued to grow with the addition of new majors. The ROTC military science concentration and the exercise science major and minor were approved in the spring of 2019. A new data science degree followed in April 2020. Under her direction, the College began developing plans for proposed veterinary and dental schools located in central Arkansas. The schools will be part of the new Lyon College Institute of Health Sciences. The Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine is pursuing accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education.
COVID-19 Pandemic
In spring 2020, Dr. King had to make the unprecedented decision to dismiss students from campus and transition to remote instruction for the remainder of the semester in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the College hosted its first-ever virtual honors convocation on April 21, and it conducted virtual commencement ceremonies for the first time.
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