Clarksville, Ark.-The University of the Ozarks has accepted an offer of membership into the NCAA Division III Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) effective the 2024-25 academic year.
Ozarks will join American Southwest Conference (ASC) member institution Concordia University Texas as the SCAC's newest additions bringing the total number to ten in the fall of 2024.
"We are grateful for the invitation to join the SCAC," said University President Richard Dunsworth, J.D. "This invitation is exciting to our University and athletic program, and it demonstrates confidence in the future of our institution and Eagles athletics. One of the main attractions for us is that all of the SCAC member institutions are private, independent colleges, which aligns us with schools who have similar philosophies, including fellow Presbyterian institutions Austin College and Schreiner University. This will lead to a better experience for our student-athletes. To remain among institutions that live by the standard of academics first is an NCAA Division III principle that we hold in high regard."
Ozarks was a co-founding member of the ASC in 1996 and will now reunite with former ASC institutions Austin College, University of Dallas, Schreiner University and Texas Lutheran University.
"We're excited about the opportunity to join the SCAC and to renew some old rivalries with several former ASC members," said athletic director Jimmy Clark. "The SCAC gives us a stable NCAA Division III conference whose member colleges fit us better in regards to enrollment size and facilities. Our coaches and student-athletes are excited about competing against new D-III programs and traveling to new areas. Another advantage is that we will have three conference schools that will be within a 5-hour drive and we currently don't have any that close. We are also thrilled that we will continue to have a presence in Texas since that's where so many of our student-athletes come from. Texas will remain a primary recruiting area for our coaches."
"We've had a great affiliation with the ASC for the past 27 years and we're proud to have been a founding member of the conference. We just felt like that at this day and time, the SCAC is a better fit."
Ozarks has been an affiliate member of the SCAC in the sports of men's and women's swimming since 2017.
"We are overjoyed that Concordia University Texas and University of the Ozarks have agreed to become part of the SCAC family," said commissioner Dwayne Hanberry. "Our membership is very familiar with both institutions and believe the two will seamlessly fit into the culture of our conference – a culture whose primary commitment is to broad-based athletic programs, gender equity, and the campus integration of student-athletes."
The Eagles will be eligible for SCAC championships and post-season awards in its first season of competition.
"We are thrilled to welcome Concordia University Texas and University of the Ozarks to the league," said Colorado College president Song Richardson, who currently serves as the chair of the SCAC Board of Directors. "We are focused on the strength and growth of the conference, and this is an exciting moment as we continue to provide outstanding athletic experiences to our students on campus."
The SCAC is currently comprised of Austin College in Sherman, Texas; Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana; Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado; University of Dallas in Irving, Texas; Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas; Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas; University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas; Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas; and Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. Southwestern University and Trinity University have announced a move to the Southern Athletic Association beginning with the 2024-2025 academic year. McMurry University, a current ASC member, announced it would join the SCAC in the fall of 2024. Lyon College, in Batesville, Ark., is a SCAC affiliate member in football.
Ozarks offers a combined 20 women's and men's varsity sports.
The SCAC, originally known as the College Athletic Conference (CAC) upon its formation in 1962, is comprised of some of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges and universities in the South and Southwest. The SCAC was formed to provide an association through which the member institutions may encourage organized competition in intercollegiate sports among teams representative of their respective student bodies. Members of this conference share a commitment to priority of the overall quality of academic standards and quality educational experiences.
SCAC member institutions are committed to sponsoring a variety of varsity sports to maximize opportunities for student participation. SCAC schools also operate under the principle that participation in sports should be solely from student interest and enjoyment of athletic competition, and that no financial aid shall be given to any student which is conditional upon athletic ability or participation in intercollegiate sports. SCAC member institutions support students in their efforts to reach high levels of performance by providing them with adequate facilities, competent coaching and appropriate competitive opportunities with students from similar institutions.
Read SCAC's Release Here: Ozarks To Join SCAC
