October 12, 2023 – Denmark, SC –
The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) embarks on a transformative journey with the official incorporation of Voorhees University, effective from July 1, 2024. As announced by GCAC Commissioner Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, this unanimous decision by the GCAC Council of Presidents is not just a mere addition; it’s a significant stride for the entire conference. With this move, the GCAC widens its reach into the Atlantic states, reshaping the landscape of intercollegiate athletics. “In the dynamic realm of sports, we aim to stay at the forefront,” remarks GCAC Commissioner Dr. Barnes. “I wish to convey my deepest gratitude to President Hopkins for his innovative approach and ambition to deepen connections within the HBCU community. Welcoming Voorhees illuminates the limitless growth trajectory of our conference.”
Established in 1897, Voorhees University boasts an enduring legacy of academic brilliance coupled with athletic prowess. Their decision to join hands with the GCAC is not just strategic but also emphasizes Voorhees’ commitment to its roots and the larger HBCU ethos. Aligning with an HBCU conference enhances the university’s mission, offering its student-athletes a sense of belonging, shared heritage, and an environment that understands and celebrates their unique experiences and challenges. Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, President of Voorhees University, elucidates this sentiment, “Embracing the GCAC, a beacon in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), is our way of furthering Elizabeth Evelyn Wright’s vision. Our excitement about this alliance is underpinned by our belief in enhancing the conference’s diversity and forging pathways for mutual growth.”
The GCAC, celebrated for its forward-thinking stance in the NAIA, is exclusively composed of HBCUs. With recent integrations like that of Wilberforce University (Ohio), it’s evident that the league’s growth narrative is undeniably upward. Voorhees University’s integration not only enhances the conference’s geographic diversity but offers fresh avenues for collaboration and competition. This strategic move cultivates deeper ties between Voorhees and the existing member institutions, reinforcing the GCAC’s mission to nurture student-athletes in every facet of their journey.
Charlene Johnson, Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics at Voorhees, emphasizes the mutual alignment of values, “GCAC’s unwavering commitment to fostering holistic student-athletes mirrors our vision. This shared ethos makes our association harmonious. We are poised to tap into the boundless opportunities this membership avails, while also enriching the GCAC’s venerable tradition.” The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference’s strategic alliance with Voorhees University symbolizes a promising evolution in HBCU athletics. As GCAC continues to foster its legacy and adapt to the ever-changing sports landscape, the addition of Voorhees stands as a testament to shared values, collective growth, and the unwavering spirit of HBCUs. With such partnerships, the future of HBCU sports within the NAIA shines brighter than ever before.
