Gulf South Conference
Encyclopedia
The Gulf South Conference (GSC) is a College Athletic Conference which operates in the southeastern United States
. It participates in the NCAA
's Division II.
, Florence State (now North Alabama
), Jacksonville State
, Livingston (now West Alabama
), Tennessee–Martin
and Troy State (now Troy
). Scheduling problems for the 1970–71 academic year limited the league to football
, won by Jacksonville State.
In 1971, the league changed its name to the Gulf South Conference; added Southeastern Louisiana (SELA)
and Nicholls State
(increasing the membership to eight); opened an office in Hammond, Louisiana
; and began championships in all men’s sports. The following year, Mississippi College
and Northwestern Louisiana (NWLA, now Northwestern State)
were admitted. NWLA withdrew to go Division I two years later, followed by SELA and Nicholls State in 1979.
The conference continued with seven teams until 1981, when the presidents admitted Valdosta State
. West Georgia
joined in 1983. Eight years of stability ended in 1991 when Tennessee–Martin and Troy State went Division I, briefly dropping the GSC back to seven members, before the beginning of an expansion resulting in ten new members: Lincoln Memorial
(1992–93); Alabama–Huntsville
, Henderson State
, Central Arkansas
, and Mississippi University for Women
(MUW) (1993–94); West Florida
(1994–95); and Arkansas-Monticello
, Arkansas Tech
, Montevallo
, and Southern Arkansas
(1995–96). Jacksonville State went Division I at the end of 1992–93. Mississippi College dropped to Division III at the end of 1995–96 and was replaced by Christian Brothers
to keep the Conference at 16 schools. In July 2000, the GSC welcomed Harding University
and Ouachita Baptist University
, making it the largest NCAA conference at any level with 18 schools. The Conference membership decreased to 17 when MUW dropped its athletics program at the end of the 2002–03 season.
2006–07 was another season of change for the GSC. Central Arkansas moved to Division I, leaving the West Division with eight schools while Lincoln Memorial left for the South Atlantic Conference
due to travel and location issues, leaving the East Division with seven schools.
Montevallo announced on June 27, 2008 that they will be leaving for the Peach Belt Conference following the 2008–09 season due to issues between the University's President and the Commissioner.
Former Commissioner Jim McCullough moved the GSC office to its present Birmingham, Alabama
, location. The current Commissioner, Nate Salant, has been in office since October 1992.
.
In June 2011, The University of New Orleans
joined the conference, bringing the total number of teams back up to 10. In July 2011, Shorter University and Union University
(Jackson, Tenn.) were accepted into the NCAA and will begin the multi-year transition process from the NAIA
to NCAA. Both universities will begin GSC competition in the 2012–13 academic year but will not be eligible for NCAA national tournaments until the 2014–15 academic year. In August 2011, the GSC added the Florida Institute of Technology
as an associate member for football beginning in the 2013 season.
The GSC is perhaps best known for being the premier conference in NCAA Division II football. The three-year run put together by North Alabama in the mid-1990s is one of the most amazing feats in college football history. North Alabama went 41-1 during that span with the only loss being a 3 point loss to that season’s NCAA Division I-AA champion Youngstown State.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It participates in the NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
's Division II.
History
Originally known as the Mid-South Conference, the GSC was formed by six universities in the summer of 1970: Delta StateDelta State University
Delta State University, also known as DSU, is a regional public university located in Cleveland, Mississippi, United States, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta...
, Florence State (now North Alabama
University of North Alabama
The University of North Alabama is a coeducational university located in Florence, Alabama, and the state's oldest four-year public university....
), Jacksonville State
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville State University is a regional public coeducational university located in Jacksonville, Alabama, USA. Founded in 1883, Jacksonville State offers programs of study in four academic units leading to Bachelor's, Master's, and Education Specialist degrees, in addition to continuing and...
, Livingston (now West Alabama
University of West Alabama
The University of West Alabama is a public university located in Livingston, Alabama, United States. It is currently on probation with its regional accrediting body....
), Tennessee–Martin
University of Tennessee at Martin
The University of Tennessee at Martin is a campus in the University of Tennessee system. Other campuses include the flagship campus in Knoxville, the Chattanooga campus, the Center for the Health Sciences in Memphis, and the Space Institute in Tullahoma...
and Troy State (now Troy
Troy University
Troy University is a public university that is located in Troy, Alabama, United States. It was originally founded in 1887 as Troy Normal School. Its main campus enrollment is 7,194 students. The total enrollment of all Troy University campuses is 29,689...
). Scheduling problems for the 1970–71 academic year limited the league to football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
, won by Jacksonville State.
In 1971, the league changed its name to the Gulf South Conference; added Southeastern Louisiana (SELA)
Southeastern Louisiana University
Southeastern Louisiana University is a state-funded public university in Hammond, Louisiana, United States. It was founded in 1925 by Linus A. Sims, the principal of Hammond High School, as Hammond Junior College, located in a wing of the high school building. Sims succeeded in getting the campus...
and Nicholls State
Nicholls State University
Nicholls State University, founded in 1948, is a public university located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, USA. Nicholls is part of the University of Louisiana System of universities. Originally called Francis T. Nicholls Junior College, the institution split from the Louisiana State University System in...
(increasing the membership to eight); opened an office in Hammond, Louisiana
Hammond, Louisiana
Hammond is the largest city in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 20,049 at the 2009 census. It is home to Southeastern Louisiana University...
; and began championships in all men’s sports. The following year, Mississippi College
Mississippi College
Mississippi College, also known as MC, is a private, Christian university located in Clinton, Mississippi. Mississippi College comprises the main campus in Clinton, as well as satellite campuses in Brandon and Madison, Mississippi, and the Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson...
and Northwestern Louisiana (NWLA, now Northwestern State)
Northwestern State University
Northwestern State University, known as NSU, is a four-year public university primarily situated in Natchitoches, Louisiana, with a nursing campus in Shreveport and general campuses in Leesville/Fort Polk and Alexandria. It is a part of the University of Louisiana System.NSU was founded in 1884 as...
were admitted. NWLA withdrew to go Division I two years later, followed by SELA and Nicholls State in 1979.
The conference continued with seven teams until 1981, when the presidents admitted Valdosta State
Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University, also referred to as VSU, or Valdosta State, is an American public university and is one of the two regional universities in the University System of Georgia. Valdosta State is located on a campus at the heart of the city of Valdosta...
. West Georgia
University of West Georgia
The University of West Georgia is a comprehensive doctoral-granting university in Carrollton, Georgia, approximately 45 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia. The University is built on 645 acres including a recent land gift of 246 acres from the city of Carrollton in 2003...
joined in 1983. Eight years of stability ended in 1991 when Tennessee–Martin and Troy State went Division I, briefly dropping the GSC back to seven members, before the beginning of an expansion resulting in ten new members: Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln Memorial University
Lincoln Memorial University is a private four-year co-educational liberal arts college located in Harrogate, Tennessee.LMU's campus borders on Cumberland Gap National Historical Park....
(1992–93); Alabama–Huntsville
University of Alabama in Huntsville
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is a state-supported, public, coeducational research university, located in Huntsville, Alabama, United States, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees, and is organized in five...
, Henderson State
Henderson State University
Henderson State University, founded in 1890 as Arkadelphia Methodist College, is a four-year public liberal arts university located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, United States. It is Arkansas's only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges...
, Central Arkansas
University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas is a state-run institution located in the city of Conway, the seat of Faulkner County, north of Little Rock and is the fourth largest university by enrollment in the U.S. state of Arkansas, and the third largest college system in the state. The school is most...
, and Mississippi University for Women
Mississippi University for Women
Mississippi University for Women, also known as MUW or simply the "W" is a four-year coeducational public university located in Columbus, Mississippi. It was formerly known as Industrial Institute and College and later Mississippi State College for Women...
(MUW) (1993–94); West Florida
University of West Florida
The University of West Florida, also known as West Florida and UWF, is a mid-sized public university located in Pensacola, Florida, United States. UWF is a member institution of the State University System of Florida. The University of West Florida is a Research University, which specializes in...
(1994–95); and Arkansas-Monticello
University of Arkansas at Monticello
The University of Arkansas at Monticello is a public university and college for vocational and technical education located in Monticello, Arkansas, United States....
, Arkansas Tech
Arkansas Tech University
Arkansas Tech University is a comprehensive regional institution located in Russellville, Arkansas, United States. The university offers programs at both baccalaureate and graduate levels in a range of fields. As of 2004, the University also operates a small satellite campus in the town of Ozark...
, Montevallo
University of Montevallo
The University of Montevallo is a four-year public university located in Montevallo, Alabama, USA. Founded in 1896, it is Alabama's only public liberal arts college and a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. Programs are offered through the Michael E...
, and Southern Arkansas
Southern Arkansas University
Southern Arkansas University is a public four-year institution located in Magnolia, the seat of Columbia County in Arkansas, United States, not far from the Louisiana state line.-Location:Southern Arkansas University is located in Magnolia, which, as of the census...
(1995–96). Jacksonville State went Division I at the end of 1992–93. Mississippi College dropped to Division III at the end of 1995–96 and was replaced by Christian Brothers
Christian Brothers University
Christian Brothers University is the oldest collegiate degree-granting institution in the city of Memphis. The university is run by the Christian Brothers, a Roman Catholic religious order founded by St. John Baptist de la Salle, the patron saint of teachers...
to keep the Conference at 16 schools. In July 2000, the GSC welcomed Harding University
Harding University
Harding University is located in Searcy, Arkansas, in the United States, about north-east of Little Rock. It is a private liberal arts Christian university associated with the Churches of Christ. The university takes its name from James A...
and Ouachita Baptist University
Ouachita Baptist University
Ouachita Baptist University is a private, liberal arts, undergraduate institution located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, which is about 65 miles southwest of Little Rock. The university's name is taken from the Ouachita River, which forms the eastern campus boundary. It is affiliated with the Arkansas...
, making it the largest NCAA conference at any level with 18 schools. The Conference membership decreased to 17 when MUW dropped its athletics program at the end of the 2002–03 season.
2006–07 was another season of change for the GSC. Central Arkansas moved to Division I, leaving the West Division with eight schools while Lincoln Memorial left for the South Atlantic Conference
South Atlantic Conference
The South Atlantic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the southeastern United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division II...
due to travel and location issues, leaving the East Division with seven schools.
Montevallo announced on June 27, 2008 that they will be leaving for the Peach Belt Conference following the 2008–09 season due to issues between the University's President and the Commissioner.
Former Commissioner Jim McCullough moved the GSC office to its present Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. The city is the county seat of Jefferson County. According to the 2010 United States Census, Birmingham had a population of 212,237. The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, in estimate by the U.S...
, location. The current Commissioner, Nate Salant, has been in office since October 1992.
2010s realignment
Beginning with the 2011–12 academic year, current GSC members University of Arkansas at Monticello, Arkansas Tech University, Harding University, Henderson State University, Ouachita Baptist University and Southern Arkansas University left the GSC to form the Great American ConferenceGreat American Conference
The Great American Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the South Central United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division II, and is scheduled to begin play in the 2011-12 school year.- Members :...
.
In June 2011, The University of New Orleans
University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans, often referred to locally as UNO, is a medium-sized public urban university located on the New Orleans Lakefront within New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. It is a member of the LSU System and the Urban 13 association. Currently UNO is without a proper chancellor...
joined the conference, bringing the total number of teams back up to 10. In July 2011, Shorter University and Union University
Union University
Union University is a private, evangelical Christian, liberal arts university located in Jackson, Tennessee, with additional campuses in Germantown, Tennessee, and Hendersonville, Tennessee...
(Jackson, Tenn.) were accepted into the NCAA and will begin the multi-year transition process from the NAIA
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA...
to NCAA. Both universities will begin GSC competition in the 2012–13 academic year but will not be eligible for NCAA national tournaments until the 2014–15 academic year. In August 2011, the GSC added the Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology, also known as Florida Tech, is an independent private technical research university located in Melbourne, Florida, United States. Founded in 1958 as Brevard Engineering College, the institute has been known by its present name since 1966. Florida Tech's curriculum...
as an associate member for football beginning in the 2013 season.
Current
| Institution | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Team Name | Year Joined | Football member |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, Alabama Huntsville, Alabama Huntsville is a city located primarily in Madison County in the central part of the far northern region of the U.S. state of Alabama. Huntsville is the county seat of Madison County. The city extends west into neighboring Limestone County. Huntsville's population was 180,105 as of the 2010 Census.... |
1969 | Public Public university A public university is a university that is predominantly funded by public means through a national or subnational government, as opposed to private universities. A national university may or may not be considered a public university, depending on regions... |
7,100 | Chargers | 1993 | No | |
| Christian Brothers University Christian Brothers University Christian Brothers University is the oldest collegiate degree-granting institution in the city of Memphis. The university is run by the Christian Brothers, a Roman Catholic religious order founded by St. John Baptist de la Salle, the patron saint of teachers... |
Memphis, Tennessee Memphis, Tennessee Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers.... |
1871 | Private Private university Private universities are universities not operated by governments, although many receive public subsidies, especially in the form of tax breaks and public student loans and grants. Depending on their location, private universities may be subject to government regulation. Private universities are... (Catholic) |
1,720 | Buccaneers Christian Brothers University Buccaneers The Christian Brothers University Buccaneers and Lady Buccaneers are the official sports teams of Christian Brothers University. The Bucs and Lady Bucs play in Division II as a part of the Gulf South Conference.... |
1996 | No |
| Delta State University Delta State University Delta State University, also known as DSU, is a regional public university located in Cleveland, Mississippi, United States, in the heart of the Mississippi Delta... |
Cleveland, Mississippi Cleveland, Mississippi Cleveland is a city in Bolivar County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 12,334 as of the 2010 census.Cleveland has a fairly large commercial economy, with numerous restaurants, stores, and services along U.S. Highway 61... |
1924 | Public | 4,392 | Statesmen | 1970 | Yes |
| Florence, Alabama Florence, Alabama Florence is the county seat of Lauderdale County, Alabama, United States, in the northwestern corner of the state.According to the 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the city's population was 36,721.... |
1830 | Public | 7,244 | Lions North Alabama Lions The North Alabama Lions are the athletic teams of the University of North Alabama, located in Florence, Alabama. The Lions are a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II and compete within the Gulf South Conference . The university has a total of 12 varsity sports teams,... |
1970 | Yes | |
| Valdosta State University Valdosta State University Valdosta State University, also referred to as VSU, or Valdosta State, is an American public university and is one of the two regional universities in the University System of Georgia. Valdosta State is located on a campus at the heart of the city of Valdosta... |
Valdosta, Georgia Valdosta, Georgia Valdosta is the county seat of Lowndes County, Georgia, United States. It is the principal city of the Valdosta Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total population of 54,518. The Valdosta metropolitan area, according to the 2010 estimate, has a population of 139,588... |
1906 | Public | 12,898 | Blazers Valdosta State Blazers Valdosta State University Blazers compete in football, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf and cross-country. “Lady Blazers” compete in basketball, softball, tennis, volleyball and cross-country. VSU is a NCAA Division II member institution and has been a member of the Gulf South Conference since... |
1981 | Yes |
| Livingston, Alabama Livingston, Alabama Livingston is a city in Sumter County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 3,297. The city is the county seat of Sumter County.-Geography:Livingston is located at .According to the U.S... |
1835 | Public | 5,157 | Tigers West Alabama Tigers The University of West Alabama currently features 13 sports teams. Men's soccer will become the 14th sport in the fall of 2012. Both the male and female athletic teams are called the West Alabama Tigers. Eleven of the thirteen teams participate in the NCAA's Division II as a member of the Gulf... |
1970 | Yes | |
| Pensacola, Florida Pensacola, Florida Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle and the county seat of Escambia County, Florida, United States of America. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 56,255 and as of 2009, the estimated population was 53,752... |
1963 | Public | 12,021 | Argonauts West Florida Argonauts The West Florida Argonauts are composed of 13 NCAA sports teams which make up the athletic program for the University of West Florida.-Athletic Department:UWF intercollegiate athletics compete in the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference.... |
1994 | 2015 | |
| Carrollton, Georgia Carrollton, Georgia Carrollton is a city in West Georgia, United States, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 24,388... |
1906 | Public | 11,252 | Wolves | 1983 | Yes |
Future
| Institution | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Team Name | Year Joined | Old Conference | Football member |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana New Orleans is a major United States port and the largest city and metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana. The New Orleans metropolitan area has a population of 1,235,650 as of 2009, the 46th largest in the USA. The New Orleans – Metairie – Bogalusa combined statistical area has a population... |
1958 | Public | 10,512 | Privateers New Orleans Privateers The New Orleans Privateers are the intercollegiate athletic teams of the University of New Orleans, located in Lake Terrace/Lake Oaks neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States... |
2012 | NCAA DI (Sun Belt Sun Belt Conference The Sun Belt Conference is a college athletic conference that has been affiliated with the NCAA's Division I since 1976. Its football teams participate in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , the higher of two levels of Division I football competition . The Sun Belt has member institutions... ) |
2015 | |
| Shorter University | Rome, Georgia Rome, Georgia Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Rome is the largest city and the county seat of Floyd County, Georgia, United States. It is the principal city of the Rome, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of Floyd County... |
1873 | Private Private university Private universities are universities not operated by governments, although many receive public subsidies, especially in the form of tax breaks and public student loans and grants. Depending on their location, private universities may be subject to government regulation. Private universities are... (Baptist Georgia Baptist Convention The Georgia Baptist Convention is an autonomous association of Baptist churches in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is one of the state conventions associated with the Southern Baptist Convention... ) |
3,500 | Hawks | 2012 | NAIA National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA... (SSAC Southern States Athletic Conference The Southern States Athletic Conference is a collegiate athletic league in the United States. The 16 member universities compete in 13 sports in the NAIA. Basketball teams compete in Division I of the NAIA.-History:... ) |
Yes |
| Union University Union University Union University is a private, evangelical Christian, liberal arts university located in Jackson, Tennessee, with additional campuses in Germantown, Tennessee, and Hendersonville, Tennessee... |
Jackson, Tennessee Jackson, Tennessee Jackson is a city in Madison County, Tennessee, United States. The total population was 65,211 at the 2010 census. Jackson is the primary city of the Jackson, Tennessee metropolitan area, which is included in the Jackson-Humboldt, Tennessee Combined Statistical Area... |
1823 | Private (Baptist Tennessee Baptist Convention The Tennessee Baptist Convention is the Tennessee statewide organization of churches associated with the Southern Baptist Convention. It maintains offices in Brentwood, Tennessee. Members include 68 Baptist associations and about 3,200 churches.... ) |
4,186 | Bulldogs | 2012 | NAIA National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA... (TSAC TranSouth Athletic Conference The TranSouth Athletic Conference is a college athletic conference for smaller colleges and universities located in the Southern United States... ) |
No |
Future associate members (football only)
| Institution | Location | Founded | Type | Enrollment | Team Name | Year Joined | Primary conference | Football member |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Institute of Technology Florida Institute of Technology Florida Institute of Technology, also known as Florida Tech, is an independent private technical research university located in Melbourne, Florida, United States. Founded in 1958 as Brevard Engineering College, the institute has been known by its present name since 1966. Florida Tech's curriculum... |
Melbourne, Florida Melbourne, Florida Melbourne is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. As of 2009, the population estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau is 78,323. The municipal area is the second largest by size and by population in the county. Melbourne is a principal city of the Palm Bay – Melbourne – Titusville, Florida... |
1958 | Private (Nonsectarian) | 6,400 | Panthers | 2013 | Sunshine State Sunshine State Conference The Sunshine State Conference was originally formed in 1975 as an NCAA Division II men's basketball conference. It has since expanded to sponsor championships in 14 sports, including men's and women's basketball, baseball, men's and women's golf, women's rowing, men's and women's soccer, softball,... |
Yes |
Former
| Institution | Location | Conference Tenure | New Conference | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Tech University Arkansas Tech University Arkansas Tech University is a comprehensive regional institution located in Russellville, Arkansas, United States. The university offers programs at both baccalaureate and graduate levels in a range of fields. As of 2004, the University also operates a small satellite campus in the town of Ozark... |
Russellville, Arkansas Russellville, Arkansas Russellville is the county seat and largest city in Pope County, Arkansas, United States, with a population of 27,920, according to the 2010 Census. It is home to Arkansas Tech University and Arkansas Nuclear One, Arkansas' only nuclear power plant... |
1995–2011 | Great American Conference Great American Conference The Great American Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the South Central United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division II, and is scheduled to begin play in the 2011-12 school year.- Members :... |
NCAA Division II |
| Monticello, Arkansas Monticello, Arkansas Monticello is a city in Drew County, Arkansas, United States. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 9,327. The city is the county seat of Drew County. It is the home of the University of Arkansas at Monticello.-History:... |
1995–2011 | Great American Conference Great American Conference The Great American Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the South Central United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division II, and is scheduled to begin play in the 2011-12 school year.- Members :... |
NCAA Division II | |
| Conway, Arkansas Conway, Arkansas Conway is the county seat of Faulkner County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 58,908 at the 2010 census, making Conway the seventh most populous city in Arkansas. It is a principal city of the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area which had... |
1993–2006 | Southland Conference Southland Conference The Southland Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the south central United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division I for all sports; for football, it participates in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision... |
NCAA Division I FCS | |
| Harding University Harding University Harding University is located in Searcy, Arkansas, in the United States, about north-east of Little Rock. It is a private liberal arts Christian university associated with the Churches of Christ. The university takes its name from James A... |
Searcy, Arkansas Searcy, Arkansas Searcy is the largest city and county seat of White County, Arkansas, United States. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 20,663. It is the principal city of the Searcy, AR Micropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of White County... |
2000–2011 | Great American Conference Great American Conference The Great American Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the South Central United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division II, and is scheduled to begin play in the 2011-12 school year.- Members :... |
NCAA Division II |
| Henderson State University Henderson State University Henderson State University, founded in 1890 as Arkadelphia Methodist College, is a four-year public liberal arts university located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, United States. It is Arkansas's only member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges... |
Arkadelphia, Arkansas Arkadelphia, Arkansas Arkadelphia is a city in Clark County, Arkansas, United States. According to 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city was 10,548. The city is the county seat of Clark County. The city is situated at the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Two universities, Henderson State... |
1993–2011 | Great American Conference Great American Conference The Great American Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the South Central United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division II, and is scheduled to begin play in the 2011-12 school year.- Members :... |
NCAA Division II |
| Jacksonville State University Jacksonville State University Jacksonville State University is a regional public coeducational university located in Jacksonville, Alabama, USA. Founded in 1883, Jacksonville State offers programs of study in four academic units leading to Bachelor's, Master's, and Education Specialist degrees, in addition to continuing and... |
Jacksonville, Alabama Jacksonville, Alabama Jacksonville is a city in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States. which is a 49% increase since 2000. It is included in the Anniston-Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area... |
1970–1993 | Ohio Valley Conference Ohio Valley Conference The Ohio Valley Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the midwestern and southeastern United States. It participates in Division I of the NCAA; the conference's football programs compete in the Football Championship Subdivision , the lower of two levels of Division I... |
NCAA Division I FCS |
| Lincoln Memorial University Lincoln Memorial University Lincoln Memorial University is a private four-year co-educational liberal arts college located in Harrogate, Tennessee.LMU's campus borders on Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.... |
Harrogate, Tennessee Harrogate, Tennessee Harrogate is a city in Claiborne County, Tennessee, United States. The community has been known as "Harrogate" since the 19th century, but did not incorporate as a city by that name until 1993.... |
1992–2006 | South Atlantic Conference South Atlantic Conference The South Atlantic Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the southeastern United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division II... |
NCAA Division II |
| Mississippi College Mississippi College Mississippi College, also known as MC, is a private, Christian university located in Clinton, Mississippi. Mississippi College comprises the main campus in Clinton, as well as satellite campuses in Brandon and Madison, Mississippi, and the Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson... |
Clinton, Mississippi Clinton, Mississippi Clinton is a city in Hinds County, Mississippi, United States. Situated in the Jackson metropolitan area, it is the tenth largest city in Mississippi. The population was 23,347 at the 2000 United States Census.-History:... |
1972–1996 | American Southwest Conference American Southwest Conference The American Southwest Conference is a college athletic conference, founded in 1996, whose member schools compete in the NCAA's Division III. The schools are located in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi... |
NCAA Division III |
| Mississippi University for Women Mississippi University for Women Mississippi University for Women, also known as MUW or simply the "W" is a four-year coeducational public university located in Columbus, Mississippi. It was formerly known as Industrial Institute and College and later Mississippi State College for Women... |
Columbus, Mississippi Columbus, Mississippi Columbus is a city in Lowndes County, Mississippi, United States that lies above the Tombigbee River. It is approximately northeast of Jackson, north of Meridian, south of Tupelo, northwest of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and west of Birmingham, Alabama. The population was 25,944 at the 2000 census... |
1993–2003 | Athletic Programs Discontinued | N/A |
| Montevallo, Alabama Montevallo, Alabama Montevallo is a city in Shelby County, Alabama, United States. A college town, it is the home of the University of Montevallo, a public liberal arts university with around 3000 students. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city of Montevallo is 4,825.... |
1995–2009 | Peach Belt Conference Peach Belt Conference The Peach Belt Conference is an intercollegiate college athletic conference affiliated with the NCAA’s Division II. The PBC was formed in 1990 with seven charter universities as the Peach Belt Athletic Conference, and took its current name in 2000.-Current members:The league currently has 13 full... |
NCAA Division II | |
| Nicholls State University Nicholls State University Nicholls State University, founded in 1948, is a public university located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, USA. Nicholls is part of the University of Louisiana System of universities. Originally called Francis T. Nicholls Junior College, the institution split from the Louisiana State University System in... |
Thibodaux, Louisiana Thibodaux, Louisiana Thibodaux is a small city in and the parish seat of Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, United States, along the banks of Bayou Lafourche in the northwestern part of the parish. The population was 14,431 at the 2000 census. Thibodaux is a principal city of the Houma–Bayou Cane–Thibodaux... |
1971–1979 | Southland Conference Southland Conference The Southland Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the south central United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division I for all sports; for football, it participates in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision... |
NCAA Division I FCS |
| Northwestern State University Northwestern State University Northwestern State University, known as NSU, is a four-year public university primarily situated in Natchitoches, Louisiana, with a nursing campus in Shreveport and general campuses in Leesville/Fort Polk and Alexandria. It is a part of the University of Louisiana System.NSU was founded in 1884 as... |
Natchitoches, Louisiana Natchitoches, Louisiana Natchitoches is a city in and the parish seat of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States. Established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis as part of French Louisiana, the community was named after the Natchitoches Indian tribe. The City of Natchitoches was first incorporated on February... |
1971–1973 | Southland Conference Southland Conference The Southland Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the south central United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division I for all sports; for football, it participates in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision... |
NCAA Division I FCS |
| Ouachita Baptist University Ouachita Baptist University Ouachita Baptist University is a private, liberal arts, undergraduate institution located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, which is about 65 miles southwest of Little Rock. The university's name is taken from the Ouachita River, which forms the eastern campus boundary. It is affiliated with the Arkansas... |
Arkadelphia, Arkansas Arkadelphia, Arkansas Arkadelphia is a city in Clark County, Arkansas, United States. According to 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city was 10,548. The city is the county seat of Clark County. The city is situated at the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Two universities, Henderson State... |
2000–2011 | Great American Conference Great American Conference The Great American Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the South Central United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division II, and is scheduled to begin play in the 2011-12 school year.- Members :... |
NCAA Division II |
| Southeastern Louisiana University Southeastern Louisiana University Southeastern Louisiana University is a state-funded public university in Hammond, Louisiana, United States. It was founded in 1925 by Linus A. Sims, the principal of Hammond High School, as Hammond Junior College, located in a wing of the high school building. Sims succeeded in getting the campus... |
Hammond, Louisiana Hammond, Louisiana Hammond is the largest city in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 20,049 at the 2009 census. It is home to Southeastern Louisiana University... |
1971–1979 | Southland Conference Southland Conference The Southland Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the south central United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division I for all sports; for football, it participates in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision... |
NCAA Division I FCS |
| Southern Arkansas University Southern Arkansas University Southern Arkansas University is a public four-year institution located in Magnolia, the seat of Columbia County in Arkansas, United States, not far from the Louisiana state line.-Location:Southern Arkansas University is located in Magnolia, which, as of the census... |
Magnolia, Arkansas Magnolia, Arkansas Magnolia is a city in Columbia County, Arkansas, United States, that was founded in 1853. At the time of its incorporation in 1858, the city had a population of about 1,950. The city grew slowly as an agricultural and regional cotton market until the discovery of oil just east of the city in March,... |
1995–2011 | Great American Conference Great American Conference The Great American Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the South Central United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division II, and is scheduled to begin play in the 2011-12 school year.- Members :... |
NCAA Division II |
| Martin, Tennessee Martin, Tennessee Martin is a city in Weakley County, Tennessee, United States. Martin is the home of the University of Tennessee at Martin. The population was 10,515 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Martin is located at .... |
1970–1991 | Ohio Valley Conference Ohio Valley Conference The Ohio Valley Conference is a college athletic conference which operates in the midwestern and southeastern United States. It participates in Division I of the NCAA; the conference's football programs compete in the Football Championship Subdivision , the lower of two levels of Division I... |
NCAA Division I FCS | |
| Troy University Troy University Troy University is a public university that is located in Troy, Alabama, United States. It was originally founded in 1887 as Troy Normal School. Its main campus enrollment is 7,194 students. The total enrollment of all Troy University campuses is 29,689... |
Troy, Alabama Troy, Alabama Troy is a city in Pike County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 18,003. Troy experienced a growth spurt of over 4,000+ people since 2000. The city is the county seat of Pike County.... |
1970–1991 | Sun Belt Conference Sun Belt Conference The Sun Belt Conference is a college athletic conference that has been affiliated with the NCAA's Division I since 1976. Its football teams participate in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , the higher of two levels of Division I football competition . The Sun Belt has member institutions... |
NCAA Division I FBS |
Conference venues
| School | Football | Basketball | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stadium | Capacity | Arena | Capacity | |
| Alabama–Huntsville | Non-football School | Spragins Hall | 2,250 | |
| Christian Brothers | Non-football School | Canale Arena Canale Arena Canale Arena is the on-campus athletic facility for Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee.- Buccaneers :Canale Arena is home to the Buccaneer and Lady Buccaneer basketball and volleyball teams.... |
1,000 | |
| Delta State | Parker Field at McCool Stadium | 8,000 | Walter Sillers Coliseum | 4,000 |
| North Alabama | Braly Municipal Stadium Braly Municipal Stadium Tom Braly Municipal Stadium is a stadium in Florence, Alabama. It is primarily used for American football, and is the home field of the University of North Alabama Lions and the Florence High School Falcons... |
14,215 | Flowers Hall Flowers Hall Flowers Hall, built in 1972, is a 4,000-seat multipurpose arena located in Florence, Alabama. It is used primarily for basketball and volleyball, and is the home of the University of North Alabama Lions basketball and volleyball teams.... |
3,900 |
| Valdosta State | Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Bazemore–Hyder Stadium at Cleveland Field is a stadium in Valdosta, Georgia. It is primarily used for American football, and is the home field of the Valdosta High School. Valdosta State University, winner of the NCAA Division II National Football Championship in 2004 and 2007, also uses... |
11,500 | The Complex | 5,350 |
| West Alabama | Tiger Stadium Tiger Stadium (West Alabama) Tiger Stadium is a 7,000-capacity stadium located in Livingston, Alabama. It is home to the University of West Alabama Tigers football.The stadium was built in 1952 to fill the need for an on-campus stadium, until 1952 the Tigers played home games at Livingston High School. It is built on a patch... |
7,000 | Pruitt Hall | 1,500 |
| West Florida | Non-football School | UWF Fieldhouse | 1,180 | |
| West Georgia | University Stadium University Stadium (West Georgia) University Stadium is a new on-campus stadium in Carrollton, Georgia. It is primarily used for American football, and is the home field of the University of West Georgia Wolves. The stadium holds 9,500 people and opened in 2009.... |
9,000 | The Coliseum | 6,790 |
Sponsored sports
GSC members feature comprehensive athletic programs that compete for 14 official conference championships: football, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, men’s and women’s tennis and men’s and women’s golf.The GSC is perhaps best known for being the premier conference in NCAA Division II football. The three-year run put together by North Alabama in the mid-1990s is one of the most amazing feats in college football history. North Alabama went 41-1 during that span with the only loss being a 3 point loss to that season’s NCAA Division I-AA champion Youngstown State.
National championships
| Sport | School | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | West Florida | 2011 |
| Valdosta State | 1979 | |
| Delta State | 2004 | |
| Troy State | 1986, 87 | |
| Jacksonville State | 1990, 91 | |
| Men's Basketball | North Alabama | 1979, 91 |
| Jacksonville State | 1985 | |
| Women's Basketball | Delta State | 1975, 76, 77, 89, 90, 92 |
| Southeastern Louisiana | 1977 | |
| Football | Valdosta State | 2004, 07 |
| Delta State | 2000 | |
| North Alabama | 1993, 94, 95 | |
| West Alabama | 1971 | |
| Troy | 1984, 87 | |
| Jacksonville State | 1992 | |
| Men's Golf | West Florida | 2001, 08 |
| Troy | 1976, 77, 84 | |
| Women's Golf | Troy | 1984, 86, 89 |
| Women's Gymnastics | Jacksonville State | 1984, 85 |
| Men's Ice Hockey | Alabama–Huntsville | 1996, 98 |
| Women's Soccer | Christian Brothers | 2002 |
| Men's Tennis | Valdosta State | 2006, 11 |
| West Florida | 2004, 05 | |
| Track and Field | Southeastern Louisiana | 1975 |
| Women's Volleyball | North Alabama | 2003 |