Texas A&M University-Texarkana receives approval to join the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
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!”
Earlier this year, Coach Steve Golas was hired to coach the women’s soccer team, as well as Billy Power to coach the men’s and women’s tennis teams on a part-time basis. Director Galvan is looking forward to the affiliation with NAIA. “As TAMUT ventured through the vigorous process of applying for membership to the NAIA, it is worth noting the partnership between the NAIA and TAMUT emerges with shared commitments to the academic driven student-athlete,” said Galvan. “At TAMUT, students are afforded a highly regarded education driven by experts in their degree seeking fields. We are excited and overjoyed with the news of our acceptance into the NAIA and we pledge to graduate character driven student-athletes who will be productive citizens in their communities and ambassadors for TAMUT.”
Coach Golas has had good success in signing several female athletes who plan to attend A&M-Texarkana in the fall and play on the women’s soccer team. Golas has recruited students from all over the United States. The tennis program has continued its recruiting efforts and will be looking to fill both men and women’s teams with talented individuals on the court who also excel in the classroom. The effective date for affiliation with NAIA is August 1 with intercollegiate athletics beginning at A&M-Texarkana this fall. For more information about A&M-Texarkana athletics, please contact Director Galvan at Michael.galvan@tamut.edu or call 903 223-3013.
