Nashville – Fisk University has confirmed a previous announcement that it has been approved for membership in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Fisk will sponsor men and women’s basketball in 2008-2009 and is immediately eligible for regular and postseason play. The University’s first competition will be with Lemoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee on November 1.
“Fisk University and the NAIA have a strong commitment to the character development of student athletes though emphasis on the shared values of integrity, service, and leadership,” said Fisk University Director of Athletics Dr. William Head.
The University’s reunion with the NAIA is estimated to save the University nearly $175,000 per year.
Nearly 300 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada have membership in the NAIA. Along with Philander Smith College, Southwestern College and Walla Walla University, Fisk is one of four institutions of higher learning that received NAIA membership this fall.
“These institutions share the NAIA’s commitment to high standards and to the principle that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the total education process,” said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. “The NAIA looks forward to working with these new members to advance character-driven intercollegiate athletics.”
Fisk’s previous membership in the NAIA occurred from the mid 1950s through 1975.