We Are One

UWG Football Player jumping into the air to catch the football.

We Are One

UWG will transition to join NCAA Division I Athletics as a member of the ASUN Conference, effective July 1, 2024. Join us on this transformative journey as we reinforce our commitment to the pursuit of excellence and our student-athletes compete at the highest level of collegiate sports.

Support We Are One

 

A Message from President Kelly
A Turning Point for Our University

What an exciting time to be a University of West Georgia Wolf! I am thrilled to share some news that will undoubtedly shape the future of the University of West Georgia and UWG Athletics, as we will transition to NCAA Division I Athletics as a member of the ASUN Conference, effective July 1, 2024.

We Are One Logo featuring the title, the athletics logo, and the A SUN conference logo.

This signifies a monumental step forward for our university that will create a platform for our student-athletes to compete at the highest level of collegiate sports. This move to NCAA Division I marks a turning point for our university, amplifying the impact of our student-athletes and igniting a new era of spirited competition. Our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and the broader community will come together as a Pack, eager to leave an indelible legacy for future generations of Wolves.

This is not just an elevation of UWG Athletics. It raises the expectations – and visibility – of our institution as a whole.

In the coming months, we will inform you about our progress and the various initiatives accompanying this transition. In the meantime, I ask that you share this news with the individuals in your network and invite them to join us on the We Are One journey.

This milestone would not have been possible without the backing of our entire university community, and your continued support is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your dedication to the curation of a first-choice university.

Go West, and Go Wolves!

Sincerely,

President Kelly's Signature.

Brendan B. Kelly, Ph.D.
President
University of West Georgia

 

Volleyball player squatting on the court holding a volleyball.

Why Now?
Embracing the Division I Journey

The decision to transition to NCAA Division I Athletics at the University of West Georgia is not just timely but also a transformational step that aligns perfectly with our vision for the future. After months of deliberate planning, careful evaluation, and introspection, the time is ripe for us to take this leap into a new era of excellence.

As an institution of higher learning, we constantly strive to offer our students first-choice opportunities for growth. By competing at the highest level, we empower our student-athletes to develop their skills, character, and leadership, providing them with invaluable experiences that will serve them well beyond their time at UWG.

Additionally, this transition opens doors to greater exposure and increased visibility for our university and community. As we join the ranks of Division I institutions, we gain access to a significantly wider audience, both regionally and nationally. This heightened prominence allows us to showcase the incredible talent and achievements of our student-athletes, faculty, and students at large, while also providing a platform to share the inspiring stories of our supportive community’s accomplishments.

Finally, the timing of this decision underscores our commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness within our campus and throughout the greater West Georgia region. As we face new challenges and celebrate triumphs, we rally together as one Pack of Brave Wolves, bound by a shared sense of pride and determination. The pride that emerges from Division I competition strengthens the fabric of our university, instilling a lasting sense of community that will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Advancing Academics
Chasing Excellence Everywhere

The transition to NCAA Division I Athletics at the University of West Georgia represents not only a significant milestone for our athletic programs but also a catalyst for elevating our academic enterprise. As we embrace this new chapter, we are committed to enhancing the overall university experience, providing our students with unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.

The pursuit of excellence in athletics goes hand-in-hand with our dedication to academic rigor. The Division I platform offers a unique avenue for our institution to attract a diverse pool of talented student-athletes, each bringing their own unique strengths and perspectives. The competitive spirit on the field fosters a culture of determination and discipline that naturally extends into the classroom, motivating our students to excel in their studies and strive for greatness in all aspects of their university journey.

Moreover, the increased visibility and prestige that come with competing at the Division I level open doors to new partnerships and collaborations. Our affiliation with other esteemed universities provides new opportunities for enriched academic exchange programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and access to renowned scholars and experts from diverse fields. 

The elevation of one major element of our university creates opportunities for synergy in a dynamic environment that sparks innovation and collaboration in other major areas, propelling the entire university community forward.

Baseball players sitting together in the dugout.

UWG Football

UWG Women's Soccer player kneeling on the field holding a soccer ball.
UWG Basketball players dunking.
UWG Football hand-off.
UWG Track team running.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
Demystifying the Division I Transition

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The transition to NCAA Division I athletics stands as a testament to our strategic plan's priorities of relevance, competitiveness, and placemaking.

  • Relevance: By embracing the Division I transition, we demonstrate our adaptability and foresight, recognizing the importance of meeting the evolving needs and expectations of our students, faculty, staff, and community members.
  • Competitiveness: We reinforce our commitment to cultivating a culture of competitiveness that extends beyond the playing field. Engineering UWG Athletics around a culture of excellence is specifically named in this priority of the strategic plan.
  • Placemaking: Through elevated athletic events and collaborative community initiatives, we contribute to the rich tapestry of our local identity, further solidifying UWG as a pillar of strength and pride within our community.
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UWG will continue competition at the Division II level in the Gulf South Conference for the 2023-24 academic year and will compete at the DI level in the ASUN Conference beginning in the 2024-25 academic year.

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Yes, UWG will add Men's Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor) to its sports portfolio as part of the transition. Those additions will happen almost immediately. Additionally, one to two new women's sports are also planned for the near future.

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This transition will add value to a degree from the University of West Georgia for all alumni through increased brand presence and institutional visibility.

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A move to DI elevates the brand of the entire University of West Georgia – not just UWG Athletics. The increased awareness and expanded reach of UWG will benefit the West Georgia region significantly, attracting more students, alumni, and fans to attend or visit their university.

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No. No student fees will change as a result of this transition. Ensuring that a first-choice education from UWG remains affordable and accessible remains a top priority for the institution.

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While this matter has been approached with great discretion, the transition has been thoroughly examined and deemed feasible to proceed by parties both internal and external to UWG and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

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We are grateful for your interest in being part of the journey to Division I at UWG! In addition to supporting our student-athletes and the athletics program by giving to the Wolves Fund, we would appreciate you sharing this news with the individuals in your network, both on and off social media! Use the hashtag #WeAreOne and tag us on social media to celebrate the exciting news.