McMurry University Set to Join SCAC in 2024-25

SUWANEE, Ga. – McMurry University has accepted an offer of membership into the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), becoming the 10th member of the NCAA Division III league. Complete Release

The institution, which has been an affiliate member of the SCAC in the sports of men's and women's swimming and diving since 2015, will become a core member of the league effective the 2024-25 academic year.

"The SCAC is a prestigious conference and McMurry University is honored to join," said McMurry President Dr. Sandra Harper. "I know the commissioner and most of the SCAC presidents quite well and I look forward to working with them in the future. McMurry is currently undergoing a new strategic planning process to guide the university until 2030. This conference move blends nicely with the strategic direction that we foresee for McMurry regarding the balance between athletics and academics."

McMurry currently has 20 varsity programs and more than 500 student-athletes. Men's intercollegiate teams include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and track and field. Women's intercollegiate teams include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

"We are thrilled to welcome McMurry University to the SCAC," said Colorado College President L. Song Richardson, chair of the SCAC Presidents Council. "This is an exciting time, as McMurry celebrates its centennial with growth in enrollment, fundraising, and alumni engagement. McMurry is a great fit with the SCAC and will add to the power of our conference."

"Today is an exciting day," said SCAC commissioner Dwayne Hanberry. "I've had the good fortune of getting to know both Dr. Harper and Athletics Director Sam Ferguson through our swimming and diving affiliate relationship, which has been a great partnership for almost a decade."

"McMurry will fit seamlessly within our current structure – both geographically and culturally – and It's always flattering when a quality institution wants to be a part of what you are doing."

 "Centenary Athletics welcomes McMurry to the SCAC," said Centenary Director of Athletics & Recreation David Orr. It was a pleasure to speak with Sam Ferguson, McMurry AD today after the announcement. Centenary Athletics is excited about this addition and looks forward to working with our newest conference member!."

A student-centered undergraduate institution that is relationship-based and is focused on learning and undergraduate research, as well as scholarly and creative activity, McMurry is celebrating its Centennial in 2023. Founded in 1923 as a Methodist institution and affiliated with what is now the United Methodist Church, McMurry enrolls more than 1,100 students with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. No graduate assistants teach courses, and 77% of its professors have achieved the highest degree in their academic discipline.

The University's sports teams are known as the War Hawks, and the department, a member of NCAA Division III for almost 25 years, has collectively won two team national championships (both in men's track and field), 21 individual national championships and 51 American Southwest Conference titles.

SOUTHERN COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
AT A GLANCE

The SCAC, originally known as the College Athletic Conference (CAC) upon its formation in 1962, is comprised of some of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges and universities in the nation.

The SCAC was formed to provide an association through which the member institutions may encourage organized competition in intercollegiate sports among teams representative of their respective student bodies. Members of this conference share a commitment to priority of the overall quality of academic standards and educational experiences.

SCAC member institutions are committed to sponsoring a variety of varsity sports to maximize opportunities for student participation. SCAC schools also operate under the principle that participation in sports should be solely from student interest and enjoyment of athletic competition, and that no financial aid shall be given to any student which is conditional upon athletic ability or participation in intercollegiate sports.

SCAC member institutions support students in their efforts to reach high levels of performance by providing them with adequate facilities, competent coaching and appropriate competitive opportunities with students from similar institutions.

CURRENT MEMBERSHIP (First year of participation)
Trinity University – San Antonio, Texas (1989)
Southwestern University – Georgetown, Texas (1994)
Austin College – Sherman, Texas (2006)
Colorado College – Colorado Springs, Colo. (2006)
University of Dallas – Irving, Texas (2011)
Centenary College – Shreveport, La. (2012)
Schreiner University – Kerrville, Texas (2013)
Texas Lutheran University – Seguin, Texas (2013)
University of St. Thomas – Houston, Texas (2019)
McMurry University – Abilene, Texas (2024)