MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Southern States Athletic Conference Board of Presidents unanimously approved the addition of University of Tennessee Southern effective July 1, 2023, with competition beginning during the 2023-24 academic year.
UT Southern was previously an SSAC member from 2013-14 to 2019-20 when they were known as Martin Methodist College. On July 1, 2021, Martin Methodist joined the University of Tennessee system and rebranded as the University of Tennessee Southern Firehawks.
Quick Facts
Location: Pulaski, Tenn.
Founded: 1870
Enrollment: 757
Chancellor: Dr. Mark La Branche
Nickname: Firehawks
School Colors: Orange, Red, Gray and White
Sports Sponsored: M&W Soccer, W Volleyball, M&W Cross Country, Competitive Cheer, M&W Basketball, M&W Bowling, M&W Golf, M&W Tennis, M&W Swimming, Baseball, Softball, Clay Target
They Said It
Brandie Paul, UT Southern Director of Athletics: "We are thrilled to rejoin the Southern States Athletic Conference. As the landscape of our University changes to meet the needs of our student-athletes, we saw the opportunity to return to the SSAC more closely aligned with our vision for UT Southern. We strive for excellence on and off the playing surface, and this move will bring continuity to our desire to not only compete at a high level athletically, but also to compete and serve within the southeast region. Our athletic programs welcome the challenge of competing with our SSAC counterparts."
Dr. Mark La Branche, UT Southern Chancellor: “We are excited to return to the Southern States Athletic Conference. As the landscapes of NAIA conferences continue to shift, our Athletic Director, Coaches, and Administration determined that it was in the best interest of our University and Athletic Program to enter the process of transferring to the SSAC.”
Mike Hall, SSAC Commissioner: “We are excited to welcome Tennessee Southern back to the SSAC in 2023-24. As a former member, we know they are a great fit within our conference and offer a significant number of sports with tremendous successes. I'm really excited to work closely with Brandie Paul in the coming days and welcome the Firehawks to our conference."
About The SSAC
The SSAC is one of the premier NAIA conferences, founded in 1999, with 11 member institutions across Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. The Montgomery, Ala.-based conference sponsors 18+ intercollegiate sports, culminating in 18+ neutral-site conference championship events held annually throughout the Southeastern region of the United States.