Lindenwood University has received a $280,000 gift from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation Inc. to help fund completion of a new 43,000-square-foot student-athlete center as part of the university's transition to NCAA Division II membership.

The university has raised $2.4 million through donor support for the $6 million center, which is under construction outside Harlen C. Hunter stadium on the school's campus in St. Charles. The center, slated for completion in late 2012, will feature an academic support center; new locker rooms; and office, athletic training and clinical spaces.

"In order to accomplish and meet NCAA expectations, it is necessary to expand and upgrade facilities," Lindenwood President James D. Evans said in a news release.

Last summer marked the beginning of Lindenwood's second year of NCAA candidacy. The university will serve another provisional year before being granted full membership by the start of the 2013-14 academic year, providing all necessary application requirements have been met at that time.

The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation Inc., a Delaware nonprofit corporation, was formed in 1948 by John E. Mabee and his wife, Lottie E. Mabee, to aid Christian religious organizations, charitable organizations and institutions of higher learning, hospitals and other organizations of a general charitable nature.