Newport News, VA - The United States Collegiate Athletic Association and its Board of Directors have announced the addition of four new full members for the 2016-17 academic year; Georgia Northwestern Technical College, Judson College, Kent State Tuscarawas, and Turtle Mountain Community College. These four schools will join Dean College, The Crown College, and California University Miramar (Exploratory), who were previously announced as new members for 2016-17.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Located in Rome, Georgia, Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is one of the largest technical trade schools in the state of Georgia. GNTC offers students the opportunity to receive over 200 certifications, diplomas and associate degrees in the fields of technology, business, health and public services.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College was founded in 2008 after the merging of Coosa Valley Technical College, founded in 1962, and Northwestern Technical College, founded in 1964. Since the merger they have added two more campuses and now serve nine counties is the Northwestern Georgia area. They have a full-time enrollment average of 1,800 students each semester that are eligible for athletic participation in the USCAA. The Georgia Northwestern Technical College Bobcats will be competing in the USCAA in men’s golf, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball.
Athletic Director and Men’s Basketball Coach, David Stephenson states, “We are excited about the opportunity to compete in the USCAA, an association that matches our philosophy of professionalism and family atmosphere. The USCAA is great fit for our student-athletes and administration. We look forward to our student-athletes receiving recognition for their accomplishments and post-season opportunities”
Kent State University Tuscarawas
Kent State University Tuscarawas is located in New Philadelphia, Ohio and will be a full member for the 2016-2017 USCAA academic year. The institution offers 11 bachelor degrees, 17 associate degrees, and six certifications to students. Their veterinary technology program is one of only seven accredited programs in the state of Ohio by American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
The athletic department currently offers men’s golf, volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball. Beginning the 2016 academic year Kent State Tuscarawas will add men’s and women’s cross country and bowling to their sport offerings. In the Fall of 2017 the school plans on adding men’s and women’s soccer, wrestling, baseball, and softball. Athletic Director, Robert Brindley, is also exploring the addition or track & field and joining fellow USCAA members in the growth of the emerging sport. Currently there are an average of 1,100 full-time students that will be eligible for participation in USCAA athletics. Kent State Tuscarawas was previously a member of the Ohio Regional Campus Conference (ORCC).
"By joining the USCAA, Kent State Tuscarawas athletics will have a tremendous opportunity to aid in the development of our student-athletes through the values instilled through competitive intercollegiate athletics,” stated Athletic Director, Robert Brindley. “Athletic competition at the national level will give our students a strengthened connection to our campus and an incentive to continue on their path to a degree. Competing against a broad-base of competition will also help them build stronger relationships and make life-long partnerships. The excitement created by our golf team's recent state championship will be carried into the USCAA National Championship in fall and has created a firestorm of interest in our campus from potential students. We look forward to a step up in competition which will generate more school spirit and a greater sense of pride in Golden Eagle athletics."
Judson College
Judson College is located in Marion, Alabama and was founded in 1838 to offer higher learning opportunities to women with the help of Siloam Baptist Church. Today, the college remains an all-women’s institution that will compete with like schools in the USCAA in volleyball, soccer, basketball, and softball. Equestrian and tennis are also offered to students at Judson College. The Eagles were former members of both the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) and United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).
Students at Judson College can earn their degree in any of the institution’s 20 majors, 22 minors, 10 pre-professional programs, or associate degree program. The Eagles have an average full-time enrollment just under 400.
“We are very excited to be returning to the USCAA” stated Athletic Director Lee Jones. “Being the only women’s college in the state of Alabama we feel that the USCAA will be the best place for the future of our athletic program. From our past experience, we know that the USCAA is a great organization and we are excited for the upcoming years.”
Turtle Mountain Community College
Located in Belcourt, North Dakota, Turtle Mountain Community College was founded in 1972 within the boundaries of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indian Reservation. Students can earn a variety of associate degrees and certifications, or earn their four-year degree in elementary education and secondary science teacher education.
Turtle Mountain Community College offers both men’s and women’s basketball, which have competed in the Northern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NIAC). Those programs will be Division I members of the USCAA.
“We are pleased, honored and humbled to be accepted to the USCAA,” stated Athletic Director Mike Gonzales. “Being a part of a national intercollegiate athletic association will help our school recruit student athletes and allow our athletes to be recognized nationally. We are very thrilled and excited about our sports program being a part of the USCAA. We appreciate the opportunity and GO MIKINOKCS!”
“We are thrilled to announce the acceptance of these new institutions,” states USCAA Executive Director Matt Simms. “Each institution is representative of the USCAA mission in providing opportunities for small colleges to compete against like colleges and universities for National Championships and student athlete recognition. The additions of Judson College and Kent State Tuscarawas bring us closer to conference formation in the Great Lakes and Gulf Coast regions of the United States. Additionally, Georgia Northwest Technical and Turtle Mountain give us ground in new markets of the country. We look forward to building on these gains in membership.”
The United States Collegiate Athletic Association is a national organization that exists to provide quality athletic competition on a regional and national level. The USCAA focuses specifically on smaller institutions of higher learning and their student-athletes. The association believes that all athletes and programs deserve the same national opportunities as larger institutions, and seeks to provide that experience.