ATLANTA – The Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) announced today the addition of the University of West Georgia as a full conference member following approval by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
With the introduction of the Wolves, the ASUN maintains its expansive southeastern footprint across seven states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee) in one of the fastest growing regions of the United States. The ASUN's reach features nine of the top-80 media markets in the nation and six of the top 50.
"On behalf of the Atlantic Sun Conference Council of Presidents and our member institutions, it is my pleasure to welcome the University of West Georgia and their student-athletes to the ASUN family," ASUN Commissioner Jeff Bacon said. "West Georgia has been ready for this move to Division I for a very long time and we are thrilled to provide them with a home in the fastest growing part of the country and access to the ASUN's 16 million homes. The ASUN has become a destination for young people across the country, and we look forward to watching the Wolves enhance that profile."
The average enrollment for the ASUN is 6,831 undergraduates with 8,452 total students. UWG enters the fold with 11,914 total students based on fall 2022 enrollment numbers, which ranks fourth in the conference. On the field, the Wolves bring highly-competitive teams that consistently compete for championships while fostering a student-athlete experience built on strength and purpose.
"Transitioning to NCAA Division I and joining the Atlantic Sun Conference marks a turning point for our university, amplifying the impact of collegiate athletics and our student-athletes and igniting a new era of spirited competition," West Georgia President Dr. Brendan Kelly said. "We have strategically and thoughtfully prepared for this opportunity to take our institution to the next level and become an even more attractive option for well-rounded students interested in our exceptional academic programs at a university that nurtures their ability to become their best future selves."
"This move to Division I and the Atlantic Sun Conference will not only enhance our athletics programs but also leave a lasting legacy that reinforces our dedication to excellence, unity and fostering a spirit of belonging and connectedness among our entire university community," West Georgia Director of Athletics Jason Carmichael said. "This strategic move represents a defining moment in our athletic program's history, bolstering our competitiveness on the national stage. We are grateful for the support of our partners, and we look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead."
West Georgia brings 15 squads to ASUN competition in the 2024-25 school year: Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Men's and Women's Golf, Softball, Volleyball, Women's Soccer, Women's Tennis and Men’s and Women's Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field. In 2025-26, UWG adds Beach Volleyball to their sport offerings. The Wolves' Football team makes the transition to the United Athletic Conference, a stand-alone Football conference made possible thanks to an alliance between the ASUN and the Western Athletic Conference. UWG joins a nine-team contingent in the UAC next fall, including fellow ASUN members Austin Peay, Central Arkansas, EKU and North Alabama.
"The United Athletic Conference is thrilled to announce the addition of West Georgia to our football family," UAC Executive Director Oliver Luck said. "The Wolves have a proven history of success on the field and will provide another competitive member for our league. Thanks to our progressive partnership with the Atlantic Sun and WAC, the UAC has the unique opportunity of growth and strengthening when one of those partners expands with a football-playing program. The addition of West Georgia is not only a win for the UAC on the field, but also is a huge benefit to include the state of Georgia, a fertile football recruiting area, in our conference and brand recognition footprint."
The addition of West Georgia to the ASUN demonstrates Commissioner Bacon's focus on growing the conference as a premier destination in the current landscape of college athletics.
"I would like to thank ASUN Council of Presidents Chair, Dr. Susan Donovan (Bellarmine University) and Vice-Chair, Dr. Chris Roellke (Stetson University) for their leadership throughout this process," Bacon said. "I would also like to thank University of West Georgia President Dr. Brendan B. Kelly and Director of Athletics Jason Carmichael for their partnership and commitment to the student-first values of the Atlantic Sun Conference."
About the Atlantic Sun Conference
The ASUN, a Division I conference member of the NCAA, boasts a membership of institutions that share visionary leadership, bold ambition and creative innovation. As a nimble adaptive conference, unafraid to blaze a national pathway for better service to our student-athletes, teams, and institutions, the ASUN has a proud history of firsts, national academic and athletic achievements and a conference culture that walks the walk with its four ASUN Beams. Students First! Rise. Connect. Impact. #ASUNBuilt by Austin Peay (Clarksville, Tenn.), Bellarmine (Louisville, Ky.), Central Arkansas (Conway, Ark.), EKU (Richmond, Ky.), FGCU (Fort Myers, Fla.), Jacksonville (Fla.), Kennesaw State (Ga.), Lipscomb (Nashville, Tenn.), North Alabama (Florence, Ala.), North Florida (Jacksonville, Fla.), Queens (Charlotte, N.C.) and Stetson (DeLand, Fla.).