NAIA Approves New Members
posted 10.03.05

OLATHE, Kan. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the association's Council of Presidents has accepted applications for full membership to Rogers State University (Okla.) and University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College effective immediately.

"On behalf of the NAIA we are extremely pleased to have Rogers State University and University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College as new members of the association," said NAIA Vice President for Membership John Leavens. "Both athletic programs have great leadership and competitive direction. The NAIA is committed to offer the best intercollegiate athletic experience and opportunities for their student-athletes."

Rogers State University (RSU) is expanding student enrollment and programs available to the student body. RSU will compete as an independent member in Region VI. The Hillcats will sponsor baseball and softball and expect to add men's and women's basketball and soccer in future years. RSU is recognized for its quality academic programs, distance learning options and high-technology learning environment with campuses in Claremore, Bartlesville and Pryor, Oklahoma.

"The university is proud to be a member of the highly regarded NAIA, which places a strong focus on balancing academics and athletics and building character traits among student-athletes," said RSU President Dr. Joe Wiley. "Being accepted in the NAIA is another significant milestone in the evolution of RSU as a major regional university in Oklahoma."

The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College will sponsor baseball, volleyball and men's and women's golf and compete in Region VI. The university serves over 10,000 students at its campus located in Brownsville, Texas. In partnership with Texas Southmost College, the university offers a wide range of courses from Association and Baccalaureate degrees to graduate and continuing education.

Both institutions will be eligible for post-season competition in the fall of 2006. NAIA Region VI is one of 14 regions nationally that includes Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. For additional information on Rogers State University visit www.rsu.edu. To learn more about The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College visit www.utb.edu.

-NAIA-