The University of Missouri has pulled up stakes, renounced 100-years of tradition, and formally announced its move to the Southeastern Conference for all sports.

After watching Colorado, Nebraska, and Texas A&M abandon the Big-12, Mizzou followed suit. On Sunday, Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton pledged the Tigers to the SEC.

In a statement, Governor Jay Nixon called the move another chapter in a long and pround tradition of athletic achievement.

“This move is the result of the University’s detailed and thorough process of identifying the best opportunity for long-term stability in the future,” Nixon said.

“As we move forward in the SEC, it’s important that we also maintain the time-honored rivalries that have developed over generations during our long and proud involvement with the Missouri Valley, the Big 6, the Big 7, the Big 8 and the Big 12. The Tigers will continue to uphold Mizzou’s outstanding traditions both on the field and in the classroom.”

Starting in July 2012 the Tigers will officially become the 14th member of the Southeast Conference in all sports. The presidents and chancellors of the SEC all agreed Sunday to accept Missouri as a member.

Missouri has been a member of the Big 12 since 1907. The Tigers will leave the Big 12 and join the SEC effective July 1st, 2012, according to a release from the SEC. It will start competition in all sports for the 2012-13 academic year.