NORFOLK, VA - The USCAA officially welcomes Bluefield State College to the association after being accepted for membership earlier in the summer.
Located in Bluefield, West Virginia, Bluefield State College was founded in 1895. The school was originally known as Bluefield Colored Institute, by progressive citizens breaking away from the time’s segregated public school system. As diversity of the students increased, Bluefield State College was adopted as the name in 1943. The college offers bachelor’s and associate degree programs and has a full-time student enrollment of just over 2,000 students.
In the 60s, four year programs were offered in teacher education, arts and sciences, and engineering technology. Since that time, Bluefield State is a state supported institution and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). With over ten bachelor degrees and a number of associate degrees offered, Bluefield State’s mission is to provide students an affordable, accessible opportunity for public higher education.
"We wish to express our thanks to the USCAA and its member institutions for the opportunity join this prestigious organization," noted Bluefield State Athletic Director John Lewis. "This is an opportunity that our institution has sought for some time, and we are certainly excited about our future as a USCAA member."
Lewis begins his first year at the helm of the athletic department but brings a wealth of experience with small college athletics to Bluefield State College. The ‘Big Blues’ offer 10 intercollegiate sports; men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s tennis, baseball, golf, softball, and volleyball.
“We are thrilled to announce Bluefield State College’s admission into the USCAA,” states USCAA Associate Director & Chief Operating Officer, Michael Goodman. “The USCAA’s mission is to provide small college’s across the country the opportunity to compete more regularly for national championships and student-athlete recognition. In Bluefield State, we see a school with a rich tradition and history that is a fit for our organization and will strongly benefit from membership with our organization. We look forward to our partnership with Mr. Lewis and his staff, and serving the ‘Big Blue’ student-athletes.”
The admission of Bluefield State College brings the total of USCAA new members for the 2016-17 academic year to seven. For more information on the USCAA please visit theuscaa.com.
-USCAA