INDIANAPOLIS – The Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) has announced that Salem International University has been granted membership in the G-MAC, effective July 1, 2013.
Salem International, located in Salem, West Virginia, joins three other institutions from West Virginia that will join the G-MAC in the fall of 2013, bringing the anticipated membership in the G-MAC for the 2013-14 academic year to 10 full members. The Conference announced in August that, with the break-up of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Alderson-Broaddus, Davis & Elkins, and Ohio Valley intend to join the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
“The G-MAC is pleased to welcome Salem International to its membership,” said G-MAC Commissioner Tom Daeger. “Chancellor William Brooks, President John Luotto and Athletic Director Keith Bullion illustrated a commitment to cultivating their athletic department and developing their programs within the mission of the institution and the framework of the G-MAC. We look forward to assisting the institution as it continues to map the future of their athletics program.”
The recent addition of four new active NCAA Division II members will allow the G-MAC to satisfy the membership requirement for active conference status for 2013-14 as it continues to work through the Educational Assessment Program in 2012-13. The Conference, originally scheduled to move into 2013-14 with only five active members, now anticipates starting the year with at least ten total institutions, and at least eight active NCAA Division II members.
“It is our mission to create a model NCAA Division II athletic conference that will prove to be a valuable addition to the Division II membership and ensuring the minimum requirements for active membership is a top priority,” said Daeger. “Our recent additions have brought a renewed sense of energy to our membership in our efforts to develop our young Conference and the enthusiasm in which Salem International approached the Conference membership process is yet another boost to our membership as we forge ahead.”
Salem International, a private institution and currently an independent NCAA Division II member, was founded as Salem College in 1888. Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, Salem International enrolls 757 students placing it in the middle of the G-MAC in terms of enrollment.
Salem International University has a tradition of academic excellence and innovation. The beautiful 100-acre campus is nestled in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. The campus offers student housing and traditional campus clubs and activities.
SIU received its charter from the State of West Virginia in December 1888 and offered its first term of instruction beginning in April 1889. It was founded by members of the local community and the Seventh Day Baptist Church. Salem International University offers Associate, Bachelor and Graduate degrees in high demand fields including: Business, Education, Information Technology and Criminal Justice.
Salem International currently sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports, including men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, bowling, men’s and women’s water polo and men’s and women’s soccer.
“Salem International’s addition is the next step in our development and the G-MAC will continue to remain proactive in growing the membership to achieve the objective of providing a quality experience for all of its members,” said Daeger.
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The Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), which formed in October of 2011, was approved by the NCAA Division II Membership Committee in February of 2012 as a NCAA Division II member conference. The G-MAC, headquartered in the Indianapolis metro area, will sponsor 12 championships in 2012-13.