Texas A&M Texarkana Joins NAIA

Texas A&M Texarkana is now a part of the NAIA.

Texas A&M University-Texarkana has been accepted as an active member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. A&M-Texarkana is among five institutions that received approval by the National Association of Intercollegiate
Athletics (NAIA) Council of Presidents at the 73rd Annual Convention held in Kansas City, Mo. April 11-13. The formal announcement was made on April 13 by the Council of Presidents. “We are always pleased to welcome new members to the Association,” said Les Purce, chair of the NAIA Council of Presidents and President of Evergreen State College (Wash.). “These are quality institutions that have been through a rigorous review process and meet the high standards the NAIA Membership Committee has set.” Institutions applying to the NAIA must meet membership criteria that include financial stability, sports sponsorship, accreditation and a commitment to character-driven athletics. The Membership Committee also reviews enrollment
numbers, graduation percentages, retention rates and overall athletics budgets.

A&M-Texarkana started the push for intercollegiate athletics last September with the hiring of Director of Athletics Michael Galvan. Shortly after being hired, Director Galvan completed and submitted the NAIA application prior to the Oct. 1 deadline. A&M-Texarkana President Emily Cutrer praised Galvan for his leadership in this important step in establishing the athletic program at the university. “From the day he set foot on our campus, Michael has exhibited a laser-like focus on building our athletic program and his first major task was the completion of our NAIA application,” said Cutrer. “We are extremely proud to have been unanimously approved for membership in this prestigious association and look forward to the addition of team sports to our vibrant campus life. With Michael’s commitment to developing student athletes and leaders, we are sure to have a program in which our athletes excel both on the field and in the classroom!”