NAIA Announces Membership Additions
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced on Sunday that its Council of Presidents voted to approve Bismarck State (N.D.) and Carolina University (N.C.) as NAIA members.
Bismarck State is a two-year institution and member of the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA). The school is currently transitioning to a four-year school. The Mystics currently sponsor nine sports and plan to add both men’s and women’s wrestling in the coming two years. The school will become an active NAIA member in the 2025-26 school year.
Bismarck State Quick Hits
- Located in Bismarck, N.D.
- Mascot: Mystics
- Public Institution
- Established: 1939
- Conference Affiliation: Applied to Frontier Conference
- Total Enrollment: 4,000
- Total Student-Athletes: 206
- Current NAIA Sports Sponsored: Baseball, Softball, M/W Basketball, M/W Cross Country, M/W Track & Field, W Volleyball
Carolina University is currently a member of the National Christian Collegiate Athletics Association (NCCAA) and has been approved for full membership in the 2024-25 academic year. Currently sponsoring eight sports, the institution plans to add both men’s and women’s cross country and track & field in the 2025-26 school year.
Carolina Quick Hits
- Located in Winston-Salem, N.C.
- Mascot: Bruins
- Private, faith-based (non-denominational Christian) institution
- Established: 1945
- Conference Affiliation: TBD
- Total Enrollment: approx. 1,000
- Total Student-Athletes: 266
- Current NAIA Sports Sponsored: Baseball, Softball, M/W Basketball, M/W Soccer, M/W Volleyball
Last October, the NAIA announced the addition of five new members which brings the total number to seven for the 2023-24 academic year.
The NAIA has now added 23 new members since 2020, including five institutions that have come from the NCAA. Schools must meet membership criteria that include financial stability, sports sponsorship, accreditation, and a commitment to character-driven athletics. Athletics facilities, enrollment numbers, retention rates, and overall financial commitment to athletics are also takin into consideration.
“We’re excited to welcome both of these schools into the NAIA,” said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. “These institutions share the NAIA's commitment to our five core values and the belief that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the student experience.
The NAIA reviews member applications based on two cycles. Schools can apply by April 15 to receive a decision in October, or by October 15 to receive a decision in April.
