The University of St. Thomas Houston Accepted to the USCAA Membership
Norfolk, VA - The USCAA officially accepted the University of St. Thomas Houston Celts as a full member of the association after having been confirmed by the Board of Directors this August.
Located in Houston, Texas, the University of St. Thomas Houston was founded in 1947 and is among just 29 U.S. Catholic colleges and universities recommended by the Cardinal Newman Society. The Cardinal Newman Society is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to promoting and defending faithful Catholic education. The school currently has approximately 1,700 student-enrolled and is committed to the religious, ethical and intellectual traditions of Catholic higher education.
Athletic Director, Todd Smith, accepted the position of Athletic Director and head men’s basketball coach in June of 2008. Since his time at the University of St. Thomas Houston, the athletic department has grown from two athletic programs (volleyball and men’s soccer) to nine programs in 2019. “We are very excited to be a part of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association” states Smith. “The USCAA provides our University, student-athletes, and coaches the opportunity to make new friendships and rivalries, while, hopefully, earning some individual recognition and team championships. We cannot wait to compete in the USCAA.”
Executive Director Matthew Simms of the USCAA said, “The addition of the University of St. Thomas shows the continued expansion of the association as a national governing body. They will now have the opportunity to earn post season competition in each of our national championship events of Fall Championship Week, Basketball National Championships and the Small College World Series. The Celts also will be able to compete in each the USCAA Wrestling and Track & Field Invitational as we continue to grow those events.”
The University of St. Thomas offers over 35 undergraduate majors. The university requires core curriculum for undergraduates to help enhance skills employers demand including communication, collaboration and strategic thinking. This also helps undergraduates determine what major is best suited for them. The student body of the University of St. Thomas Houston reflects the rich diversity of the city itself. The university welcomes undergraduate and graduate students of all faiths and of no faith.
About the USCAA
The primary goal of the USCAA is to provide members with an association that is devoted to the growth, vision, and values of their institutions. The USCAA’s focus is to enhance member institutions through athletics. The association intends to achieve this goal by providing opportunities for small colleges to compete on an equal level of competition with schools of like size and athletic programs. The USCAA conducts 15 national championships, names All-Americans, recognizes scholar athletes, and promote USCAA member schools in various means. The USCAA believes that the integrity and credibility of the association and its members is paramount in accomplishing its goal.