October 10, 2023 – Kansas City, MO –
On October 2, the intercollegiate athletic community witnessed a pivotal moment as the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) unveiled its decision to expand its membership. Following comprehensive deliberation and a unanimous nod from the NAIA Membership Committee, the NAIA Council of Presidents gave its stamp of approval to five new institutions. This expansion, slated to be effective from July 1, 2024, signifies the NAIA’s continued commitment to fostering growth and excellence in collegiate athletics.
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, located in the picturesque city of Tifton, Ga., is not entirely new to the world of collegiate athletics. Currently, it’s transitioning from its standing as an NJCAA member to establish itself as a full-fledged four-year institution. As it charts this new path, the college has secured a coveted spot in the Southern States Athletic Conference, a testament to its dedication to athletic development. Baptist Bible College of Springfield, Mo., is another esteemed addition. As a proud member of the NCCAA, the institution is now setting its sights on broader horizons by applying for membership in the American Midwest Conference. This move indicates the college’s ambition to further its athletic prowess and offer its student-athletes a more competitive platform. Then there’s Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio. The college’s decision to migrate from NCAA Division III to the NAIA speaks volumes about the NAIA’s growing appeal and stature in the collegiate athletic sphere. Defiance College’s shift underscores its strategic vision for its athletic programs and the experiences it aims to offer its student body.
New College of Florida in Sarasota is taking a slightly different approach. While it’s a newcomer in terms of establishing an athletic program, its ambition is commendable. With plans to roll out an impressive lineup of 12 sport programs by the 2024-25 academic year, the college is making significant strides. It’s also gearing up to be a proud member of The Sun Conference, a move that promises exciting opportunities for its budding athletes. Last, but by no means least, is Spartanburg Methodist College in Spartanburg, S.C. Echoing the journey of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Spartanburg is transitioning from its current NJCAA affiliation to emerge as a four-year institution. As part of this evolution, the college will soon be integrating into the Continental Athletic Conference. The recent inclusion of these five institutions isn’t an isolated instance of growth for the NAIA. In fact, since the onset of 2020, it has welcomed a remarkable 21 new members into its fold. Out of these, five had previously held affiliations with the NCAA. This transition is a significant indicator of the NAIA’s rising prominence and its ability to offer a competitive and holistic environment for institutions.
However, joining the NAIA isn’t a straightforward endeavor. The association has set forth stringent criteria that institutions must fulfill. Beyond demonstrating financial stability, they must showcase their commitment to sports sponsorship, accreditation, and most importantly, character-driven athletics. It’s not just about numbers or facilities; it’s about the ethos and the vision with which an institution approaches athletics. Aspects like retention rates, overall investment in athletic programs, and the quality of facilities play crucial roles in the evaluation process. Expressing his views on the new additions, Jim Carr, the NAIA President and CEO, emphasized the evident dedication of the institutions to not only athletic excellence but also the holistic well-being of their student-athletes. He expressed confidence that each of these schools, with their unique strengths and values, will enrich the NAIA community.
