USCAA Approves first ever Division 1 Conference, the North American Conference for Intercollegiate Athletics (NACIA)
Pittsburgh, Pa. – The United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), North American Conference for Intercollegiate Athletics (NACIA) and university officials announced today the formation of the first formal USCAA Division 1 conference in the history of the long standing Association.
The announcement will officially place the Bryant & Stratton campuses of Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland, and Rochester, Berkeley College, Five Towns College and Villa Maria College in the USCAA exclusive Division I conference for the first time.
“The USCAA welcomes the North American Conference for Intercollegiate Athletics as an official conference and applauds the Athletic Directors and Senior Administration for their hard work and dedication to make this endeavor possible,” said USCAA Chief Operating Officer, BJ Bertges. “We believe this is the first step towards a strong conference presence within our Division I institutions in which student-athletes will benefit by way of more opportunity for recognition, championship play, and regular scheduling opportunities with other USCAA members.”
The seven institutions compete in USCAA Division 1 in the sports of men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf and men’s and women’s track and field.
"Bryant & Stratton College’s (Bobcats) Athletic Department proudly celebrates the USCAA Board of Directors’ decision to officially recognize the North American Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NACIA) as the newest Division I conference. As one of the founding institutions, we are honored to have played a role in shaping a conference that prioritizes student-athlete experience and institutional collaboration. This milestone validates the collective vision and dedication of each member institution,” said Jeff Tredo, ROC/WNY Market Director. “NACIA is positioned to grow in meaningful ways—expanding sports offerings and competitive opportunities—and we’re excited to be a part of it while aligning with the core mission of the USCAA.”
As proud members of the USCAA for over a decade between the seven institutions, the NACIA affiliate institutions have now claimed close to ten postseason tournament titles.
“The Five Towns College Sound Athletic Department is thrilled that the USCAA Board of Directors has voted to recognize the North American Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NACIA) as its newest Division I conference. This recognition not only affirms the work of all the NACIA member institutions, which came together to form the new conference last fall; but, it also sends a vote of confidence about the direction that the member schools are heading – to build a new conference that better serves member institutions while advancing the overarching goals of the USCAA,” Five Towns College President Dr. David M. Cohen said. “We look forward to expanding the number of sports, teams, and intercollegiate opportunities available to our student athletes. We also invite other institutions of higher education seeking a new home for their athletic programs to explore membership in the NAICA.”
The NACIA’s request to be recognized by the USCAA was unanimously approved by the Association’s Board of Directors at its regularly-scheduled meeting this past month.
More information will be available in the coming months regarding conference information.
About the USCAA
The USCAA is a national governing body that exists to provide opportunities for small colleges to compete against institutions for National Championships and student-athlete recognition. The 70-member association was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
About Bryant & Stratton College
Founded in 1854, Bryant & Stratton College, a non-profit institution, has built its reputation and success on a commitment to excellence and high standards. Bryant & Stratton College offers students access to career-relevant education leading to bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and professional certificates. With over 45 degree programs, flexible class options, and dedicated support teams, B&SC provides pathways to help students succeed in their education and beyond.
About Five Towns College
Five Towns College is a private college in Dix Hills, New York. The college's degree programs focus on music, media, and the performing arts.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College is a private for-profit college with campuses in New York City, New Jersey, and online. It was founded in 1931 and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs.
About Villa Maria College
Villa Maria College is a private Roman Catholic college in Buffalo, New York. It was founded in 1961 by the Felician Sisters.