Andrew College to join NAIA, SSAC beginning July 1, 2026
CUTHBERT, Ga. - Effective July 1, 2026, Andrew College will join the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and compete in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC).
"Joining the NAIA and the Southern States Athletic Conference allows our student-athletes to compete at a higher level, gain broader exposure, and continue to pursue excellence both on and off the field," said Andrew College Athletic Director Brian Skortz. "The SSAC is home to outstanding programs and institutions that share our values, and we look forward to building strong rivalries and meaningful relationships within the conference. We are excited for the next chapter of Andrew College Athletics as a member of the NAIA and Southern States Athletic Conference."
The Fighting Tigers were approved for membership by the NAIA Council of Presidents on Sept. 28 during the organization's annual fall meeting.
"We are extremely proud to announce the addition of these two fantastic institutions into the NAIA," said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. "Both Wesleyan and Andrew align with the NAIA's core values and will make incredible additions to the organization."
The move to the NAIA represents a pivotal moment for the college as Andrew continues its growth as a four-year institution dedicated to student development both in competition and in the classroom. Under the leadership of Andrew College President Dr. William Kennedy, the student population has grown from 247 in fall 2022 to 496 in 2024, with a record-setting enrollment of 602 students in fall 2025.
"As a former NAIA student-athlete, I am especially excited that our students will now share in the same opportunities for growth and purpose that shaped my own journey," said Kennedy.
Since his arrival in 2023, Kennedy has launched nine bachelor's degree programs and six athletic teams, further reinforcing Andrew's commitment to institutional growth and expanded opportunities for its students.
"Andrew College is honored to be approved as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics," Kennedy said. "This is more than a change in athletic affiliation. It is a strategic step that supports our broader goals of growth, excellence and mission-driven education."
About Andrew College
Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, spiritual development and service, Andrew College offers students a supportive and transformative educational experience. Founded in 1854 and located in Cuthbert, Georgia, the college is affiliated with The United Methodist Church and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Andrew College offers associate, bachelor's and certificate programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.
Andrew College will become an active member of the NAIA in fall 2026. The Fighting Tigers currently compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association and sponsor 14 sports, including baseball, softball, football, men's and women's basketball, golf, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's wrestling, flag football and volleyball.
To learn more about Andrew College Athletics, visit:
University Website: https://www.andrewcollege.edu
Athletics Website: https://andrewfightingtigers.com/landing/index
Instagram: @athleticsandrew
Facebook: @ACAthletics
About the NAIA
Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, the NAIA is a governing body dedicated to intercollegiate athletics. Founded in 1937 following a basketball tournament in Kansas City — the longest-running event in college basketball history — the NAIA now includes more than 83,000 student-athletes and sponsors 29 national championships.
About the SSAC
Founded in 1991, the Southern States Athletic Conference is an NAIA conference comprised of 12 member institutions across Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Member institutions include Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Blue Mountain Christian University, Brewton-Parker Christian University, Dalton State College, Faulkner University, Life University, Loyola University New Orleans, Point University, Thomas University, the University of Mobile, the University of Tennessee Southern and William Carey University.
Effective July 1, 2026, Andrew College will join the SSAC alongside Wesleyan College (Georgia). The NAIA sponsors 20 intercollegiate sports and conducts conference championship events throughout the southeastern United States.
Andrew College is a National Junior College Athletic Association Division I school located in Cuthbert, Georgia. The Fighting Tigers sponsor 14 sports and compete in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association. Andrew College will move to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, effective July 1, 2026.