Southwestern Charts a Return to the SCAC in 2027-28
The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Presidents Council has unanimously approved the return of Southwestern University as a full member of the conference, with the institution set to begin competition during the 2027-28 academic year.
SUWANEE, Ga. – The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Presidents Council has unanimously approved the return of Southwestern University as a full member of the conference, with the institution set to begin competition during the 2027-28 academic year. Complete Release
The announcement marks a homecoming for Southwestern, which was among the conference's longstanding members before departing in 2025. Its return reunites the institution with longtime conference rivals while reinforcing the SCAC's commitment to regional competition, academic excellence, and an exceptional NCAA Division III student-athlete experience.
"Southwestern University is thrilled to return to the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, where our history and values are deeply rooted," said Southwestern University President Laura Trombley. "As intercollegiate athletics continues to evolve, so does Southwestern. Through continued investments in the student-athlete experience, returning to the SCAC reflects who we are today and where we're headed. The conference's commitment to academic excellence, competitive success, and the holistic student-athlete experience makes it an ideal home for our students. We look forward to renewing longtime rivalries, building new relationships, and contributing to the continued strength of this outstanding conference."
Southwestern currently sponsors 20 varsity sports, 18 of which align with the SCAC's sponsorship portfolio. The institution has just over 500 student-athletes competing in baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's swimming and diving, men's and women's tennis and men's and women's track and field and volleyball. The school also sponsors men's and women's lacrosse.
"As Chair of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, I am thrilled to welcome Southwestern University back to the SCAC," said Centenary College President Christopher Holoman, "Southwestern has long been an important part of our conference's history, and we are excited to renew that relationship as we continue to advance our shared commitment to academic excellence, competitive success, and the student-athlete experience."
"We are overjoyed to welcome Southwestern back to the SCAC," said Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry. "This is a significant day for our conference. Southwestern helped shape our history, and its return reflects the strength of the relationships, shared values, and vision that have long defined this league. Our Presidents Council believes this decision positions both the conference and the institution for continued success."
Southwestern first joined the conference in 1994 and competed as a member until 2025, capturing 31 conference championships while establishing itself as one of the league's most successful and academically distinguished members.
"We are excited to be reuniting with the SCAC," said Southwestern University Athletic Director Ken Ralph. "Our students, coaches, and alumni are happy to reestablish some of our traditional rivalries. We are thankful to Commissioner Hanberry and the SCAC Presidents for welcoming us back, and we are committed to doing all we can to add value to the league and provide our students with the best possible academic and athletic experiences."
Founded in 1840 and located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern is the oldest university in Texas and is nationally recognized for its commitment to liberal arts education.
Southwestern is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, is a member of the Associated Colleges of the South, and is widely celebrated as one of the nation's "Colleges That Change Lives."
With the additions of Southwestern and Millsaps College in 2027, the SCAC will once again feature 12 core member institutions, restoring the conference to one of its largest memberships in history. The league will rank among the largest in NCAA Division III and stand as the largest conference in the Southern region, further strengthening opportunities for regional competition and an enhanced student-athlete experience.
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 region.
The SCAC was formed to provide an association through which the member institutions may encourage organized competition in intercollegiate sports among team's representative of their respective student bodies. Members of this conference share a commitment to priority of the overall quality of academic standards and quality 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.
2027-28 CONFERENCE MEMBERSHIP (First year of participation)
Austin College – Sherman, Texas (2006)
Colorado College – Colorado Springs, Colorado (2006)
University of Dallas – Irving, Texas (2011)
Centenary College – Shreveport, Louisiana (2012)
Texas Lutheran University – Seguin, Texas (2013)
University of St. Thomas – Houston, Texas (2019)
Concordia University Texas – Austin, Texas (2024)
University of the Ozarks – Clarksville, Arkansas (2024)
LeTourneau University – Longview, Texas (2025)
Hendrix College – Conway, Arkansas (1992-2012; 2025)
Millsaps College – Jackson, Mississippi (1989-2012; 2027)
Southwestern University – Georgetown, Texas (1994-2025; 2027)
