Jarvis Christian University Becomes 16th Member of the HBCUAC
HAWKINS, Texas — Jarvis Christian University (JCU) has been unanimously approved for membership in the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC), the conference's Council of Presidents announced today. Beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, JCU will compete as the conference's 16th member institution. Their addition is a landmark moment for both the university and the broader HBCU athletic community as the HBCUAC becomes the largest HBCU sports league in the nation.
The HBCUAC conference office made the official announcement during a press conference on Tuesday. Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, President of Jarvis Christian University, Mr. Bobby Ladner, Athletic Director, and HBCUAC Commissioner Kiki Baker Barnes, Ph.D. spoke about the move and its impact on the league, the institution, and HBCU sports.
"Jarvis Christian University is a distinguished institution with a proud legacy of academic excellence and community impact. We are thrilled to welcome JCU into the HBCUAC family. Their membership strengthens our conference's commitment to providing HBCU student-athletes with the highest level of competition, collaboration, and opportunity. This is a proud day for our entire conference."
— Kiki Baker Barnes, Commissioner, HBCU Athletic Conference
JCU President Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, Ph.D., described the move as a historic milestone:
"Moving to become a part of the HBCUAC is historical in its precedence as Jarvis Christian University begins our 115th year educating students. Additionally, it allows for increased camaraderie and competition with institutions that reflect missions and visions aligned with our institution's. Our students will see in these competitions the same students they befriend at leadership conferences that empower them to do and be their best. This is exciting indeed."
— Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, President, Jarvis Christian University
Athletic Director Bobby Ladner highlighted the alignment of values between JCU and the conference:
"We are excited and thankful to our President and Administration for their direction and challenge to elevate our athletic programs. This new HBCU Athletic Conference is built upon equality, fair competition, and collaboration. It is a culture that fits Jarvis, accepts Jarvis, and allows Jarvis to pour back into our student athletes in such a well-deserved way. We can be leaders in this new athletic landscape, and all are excited for this opportunity."
— Mr. Bobby Ladner, Athletic Director, Jarvis Christian University
Jarvis Christian University's addition brings the HBCUAC to 16 member institutions. The conference's commitment to equality, fair competition, and the holistic development of student-athletes has positioned it as a growing force in HBCU athletics. JCU's entry into the conference underscores the university's dedication to elevating its athletic programs while remaining true to its institutional mission of preparing students intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally.
About Jarvis Christian University
Jarvis Christian University is a historically Black institution, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), offering degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, and master's levels. The mission of the University is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery.
About the HBCU Athletics Conference
The HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) is the only HBCU conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The HBCUAC membership includes Dillard University (LA), Fisk University (TN), Huston-Tillotson University (TX), Oakwood University (AL), Paul Quinn College (TX), Philander Smith University (AR), Rust College (MS), Southern University at New Orleans (LA), Stillman College (AL), Talladega College (AL), Tougaloo College (MS), University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), Voorhees University (SC), Wilberforce University (OH), and Wiley University (TX). HBCUAC sponsors championships in men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's track and field, women's volleyball, softball, and baseball. In 2022, the HBCUAC secured the largest media rights deal in conference and NAIA history, signing a multimillion-dollar deal with Urban Edge Network. On July 1, 2024, the conference rebranded from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) to the HBCU Athletic Conference, marking a new era for the conference that embodies the makeup of its membership. For more information, visit hbcuac.org.