KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is pleased to announce the addition of two new members – Andrew College (Ga.) and Wesleyan College (Ga.) – who were approved for membership by the NAIA Council of Presidents Sunday, Sept. 28, at the annual fall meeting.
"We are extremely proud to announce the addition of these two fantastic institutions into the NAIA," said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. "Both Wesleyan and Andrew align with the NAIA's core values and will make incredible additions to the organization."
Andrew College is a private, liberal arts college located in Cuthbert, Ga., and its athletic programs are known as the Fighting Tigers. Andrew is moving from two-year athletics in the NJCAA to four-year competition and will become an active NAIA member in Fall 2026.
Andrew sponsors baseball, men's and women's basketball, cheer and dance, football, women's flag football, men's golf, men's and women's soccer, softball, women's volleyball, and men's and women's wrestling.
"Andrew College is honored to be approved as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. This is more than a change in athletic affiliation. It is a strategic step that supports our broader goals of growth, excellence, and mission-driven education," said Dr. William "Rusty" Kennedy, President of Andrew College. "NAIA membership positions Andrew to thrive competitively, academically, and spiritually, while offering a framework that strengthens both institutional and student success. The values and vision of the NAIA align with who we are and where we are going, and we are proud to bring our own vitality and commitment to character-driven athletics to the association. As a former NAIA student-athlete, I am especially excited that our students will now share in the same opportunities for growth and purpose that shaped my own journey."
Wesleyan College is an all-women's private, liberal arts college, located in Macon, Ga. Currently affiliated with NCAA Division III, Wesleyan's athletics programs are known as the Wolves, women's basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball and beach volleyball. Wesleyan plans to add competitive cheer, wrestling, and women's flag football in 2026.
"Wesleyan opened doors for women in 1836 - and we're still opening them," said Meaghan Blight, president of Wesleyan College. "NAIA and SSAC membership expands access to a world-class college education for talented student-athletes right here in Middle Georgia. It means more opportunities to compete - and, true to Wesleyan's focus on nurturing each student's individual gifts, personalized mentorship and care from coaches and professors, on the court and in the classroom - all within a college experience rooted in leadership, character, and academic excellence."
Both Andrew and Wesleyan plan for membership in the Southern States Athletic Conference.
To become NAIA members, institutions must meet membership criteria that include financial stability, sports sponsorship, accreditation, and a commitment to character-driven athletics. Athletics facilities, enrollment numbers, retention rates, and overall financial commitment to athletics are also considered. The NAIA has added 27 new members since 2020, including seven institutions from the NCAA.
The NAIA reviews member applications in two cycles. Institutions can apply by April 15 to receive a decision in October or by October 15 to receive a decision in April.
ABOUT NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS (NAIA) The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. NAIA members provide more than 83,000 student-athletes with opportunities to play college sports, earn $1.3 billion in scholarships and compete in 29 national championships. naia.org | @NAIA
