KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics welcomed four new members for the 2027-28 academic year, as Christian Brothers University, Manchester University, Salem University and Yavapai College were approved Monday (Sept. 28) by the NAIA Council of Presidents, strengthening an association united by the belief that academics and athletics thrive together. Their decision to join reflects the NAIA’s leadership in education-based athletics and the value of a model that puts institutional mission and student-athlete opportunity at the center of intercollegiate competition.
“Each of these institutions brings its own identity, strengths, and ambitions to the NAIA. Together, they make our association stronger and demonstrate the appeal of an athletics model built around the priorities of our members,” said Jim Carr, NAIA president and CEO. “We are grateful to Christian Brothers, Manchester, Salem, and Yavapai for choosing the NAIA and embracing The Right Way to Play®. Their confidence in our association is a responsibility we take seriously, and we look forward to helping each institution achieve its vision for athletics and student success.”
The four-member class includes three institutions transitioning from the NCAA and one from the NJCAA, underscoring the NAIA’s ability to attract colleges and universities with different backgrounds and shared priorities. Christian Brothers and Salem currently compete in NCAA Division II, Manchester in NCAA Division III and Yavapai in the NJCAA.
“These four institutions represent an important part of where NAIA membership recruitment is headed,” said Nick Davidson, NAIA Vice President for Membership Recruitment and Retention. “Christian Brothers, Salem, Manchester and Yavapai each took the time to evaluate how the NAIA could support their institution’s mission, students and long-term athletics strategy. Their decisions reflect the growing interest we are seeing from institutions across NCAA Division II, Division III and two-year athletics that are looking carefully at the role athletics can play within their broader institutional goals. We are excited to welcome these institutions to the NAIA and look forward to supporting their transitions, strengthening our membership, and continuing to build an Association that provides high-level competition within an education-based model of intercollegiate athletics.”
Founded in 1871, Christian Brothers University is a private Catholic university in Memphis, Tenn., offering undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. Rooted in the Lasallian tradition, CBU emphasizes academic excellence, faith, service and community. The university sponsors 17 sports and will join the Mid-South Conference.
“This is a proud moment for Christian Brothers University. Joining the NAIA’s Mid-South Conference gives our student-athletes a stronger foundation to compete and succeed, and it reconnects us with a tradition that has always been part of who we are. I’m grateful to our coaches and staff for their continued dedication to CBU athletics, and I’m excited for what comes next,” said Ronald L. Brandon, President of Christian Brothers University.
Manchester University offers more than 70 areas of undergraduate study and six graduate programs, with locations in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., and online offerings. Emphasizing hands-on learning, personalized mentorship and career preparation, Manchester sponsors 21 sports and will join the Crossroads League.
“We are incredibly excited to join the NAIA and the Crossroads League. From our earliest conversations, it was clear that this was about much more than athletics. We found institutions that share our commitment to student development, leadership, community, educational excellence, and the role faith can play in helping students discover purpose, character, and a commitment to serving others. The Crossroads League offers outstanding competition while keeping students closer to campus, in the classroom, and connected to the communities that support them. We are grateful for the confidence the league and NAIA have placed in Manchester University, and we look forward to contributing to the strength and tradition of both organizations for years to come,” said Dr. Stacy Young, President of Manchester University.
Founded in 1888, Salem University offers undergraduate and graduate programs both on campus and online. With an emphasis on accessible education, career preparation and an inclusive learning environment, Salem serves students from a diverse range of backgrounds. The university sponsors 15 intercollegiate sports and is committed to providing student-athletes with opportunities to excel academically, athletically and personally.
Salem University seeks membership in the NAIA’s River States Conference. The move marks a new chapter for Salem Athletics, providing the university’s student-athletes with expanded opportunities for conference competition and postseason participation while aligning Salem with an association that emphasizes the development of the whole student-athlete.
“For more than 100 years, athletics has been an important part of the Salem experience. Joining the NAIA and competing as part of a conference is an important next chapter for our university and our student-athletes,” said Paul Weber, President of Salem University. “We value the NAIA’s focus on the whole student, supporting success in the classroom, in competition and in life after college. We believe this is a strong fit for Salem and the future of our athletic programs.”
Yavapai College in Prescott, Ariz., serves communities throughout Yavapai County. The college offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, including six baccalaureate degrees. Through on-campus and online programs, the college emphasizes career preparation, workforce education and lifelong learning. Yavapai College sponsors seven sports and will join the GSAC.
“Being accepted into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is a proud, historic milestone for Yavapai College, and a natural next chapter for an athletics program that has been winning on the national stage for five decades,” said Acting Yavapai College President Doug Berry, Ph.D. “Our Roughriders have brought home 16 national championships, including seven men’s soccer titles that made Yavapai the most successful junior college soccer program in the country, and baseball championships from 1975 to 2016. Competing in the NAIA’s Great Southwest Athletic Conference, our student-athletes will carry that legacy onto a larger stage. They’ll challenge themselves, grow as leaders, and represent Yavapai College and our community with the same grit and excellence that have defined the Roughriders for generations. We’re proud of what this means for our students, and excited about the energy, pride, and new opportunities this will bring to our entire community.”
About the NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small college athletics programs dedicated to character-driven, education-based athletics. Since 1937, the NAIA has balanced high-level competition with holistic student-athlete development through its commitment to The Right Way to Play®. Each year more than 87,000 NAIA student-athletes compete in college athletics, earn over $1.3 billion in financial aid, and pursue opportunities to participate in 30 national championships. naia.org | @NAIA | #TheRightWayToPlay
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