Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville is joining the Ohio Valley Conference, becoming the 11th school in that league.

The conference and the school announced the move Tuesday, as the Cougars transition from NCAA Division II to Division I. SIU-Edwardsville will officially become part of the conference on July 1.

The Cougars will begin regular-season competition in the OVC during the 2011-2012 academic year, and in most cases will be eligible for postseason play the next year.

SIU will replace Samford, an Alabama school that is defecting to the Southern Conference.