Conference Carolinas Unveils Addition of 16th Member in Ferrum College
GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Conference Carolinas Board of Directors have voted unanimously in favor of the addition of Ferrum College as the 16th member of the NCAA Division II conference.
"We are excited about this historic announcement for Conference Carolinas," Commissioner Chris Colvin said. "The ability to be able to align with an institution like Ferrum College that perfectly fits with our conference beliefs and values, while also being a first-class institution with a unique commitment to a strong athletics program, is truly special. Our overall goal in Conference Carolinas is always to continue to make our conference stronger, and Ferrum's addition to our league allows us to accomplish this while also furthering our commitment to football and our three-division model in certain sports. We know they will help us continue to lead the way in the classroom, in the community and at the highest levels of competition as we continue to strive daily to work with our member institutions to help develop champions in body, mind and soul.”
Currently a member of NCAA Division III, Ferrum has accepted its invitation and will officially begin competition in Conference Carolinas with the start of the 2025-26 academic year on July 1, 2025 as a provisional member contingent upon acceptance into the NCAA Division II membership process. Ferrum will be eligible for all conference awards and championships immediately. They will be eligible to compete in NCAA championships once they are accepted as an active member of Division II upon the successful completion of the membership process.
Ferrum's addition as the 16th member of Conference Carolinas marks the first time in the over 93 years of existence for the conference that the league will feature 16 member institutions.
The addition of Ferrum College will also allow Conference Carolinas to expand its football membership to seven teams with the official return of football to the league in the 2025-26 academic year. Conference Carolinas football will feature Barton, Chowan, Erskine, Ferrum, UNC Pembroke, North Greenville and Shorter in the 2025 season.
Conference Carolinas Board of Directors President/King University President Alexander Whitaker is thrilled to welcome Ferrum to the league as the institution aligns tremendously with the mission and values of Conference Carolinas.
“Conference Carolinas is marked by top-quality schools with solid academics, strong athletic programs and core shared values,” Whitaker said. “Now we are made stronger by the happy addition of Ferrum College to our membership, which alone among NCAA divisions emphasizes ‘champions of body, mind, and soul.’ Ferrum is a perfect fit for Conference Carolinas, and I know I speak for all my fellow presidents in saying how pleased we are that our unanimous decision to invite Ferrum to be our newest member has been accepted. This is a win-win for all of our schools and our student-athletes.”
Founded in 1913, Ferrum College is a private liberal arts college related to the United Methodist Church, offering liberal arts and professional programs such as business, recreation leadership, musical theatre, agriculture, environmental science, teacher education and criminal justice. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, numerous lakes, rivers and state parks, Ferrum provides an outstanding educational experience in a setting of rich natural beauty.
“Today we stand on the cusp of a new era at Ferrum College as we announce a historic shift that will redefine our institution's trajectory for years to come. We are honored to receive this invitation, and excited to find a home with Conference Carolinas,” said Ferrum College President Dr. Mirta M. Martin.
“At the heart of this historic shift lies our commitment to excellence – on and off the athletic fields, to student success, and to inclusive growth. Building upon our rich heritage and values, we embark on a journey of evolution and adaptation, guided by the relentless pursuit of excellence.
“By transitioning to Division II, Ferrum College aligns itself with a conference whose motto of body, mind and soul aligns with Ferrum College’s beliefs and values. The transition also positions Ferrum College to join a family of institutions who share our vision for competitive athletics, academic rigor, and service. Furthermore, it offers Ferrum College the opportunity to open new avenues for growth and success on and off the field in a values-based culture.
“It is important to note that this transition underscores Ferrum College’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded collegiate experience that prioritizes the development of the whole student. As we embrace the opportunities that come with Division II athletics, we remain steadfast in our dedication and commitment to nurturing the academic, athletic and personal growth of our student-athletes.
“I wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chairman Scott Showalter, Athletic Committee Chair Jud Mason, and the Board of Trustees – who join us today, to the Taskforce who hosted the Site Team Visit, particularly to Athletic Director Cleive Adams, Senior Woman Administrator, Gail Holley, VP Lois Williams, and Provost Delia Heck, to Commissioner Chris Colvin and his staff, and to the entire Panther family – including students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters – whose unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence have made this historic transition possible."
Ferrum has won numerous championships over the years, including four national championships and three national runner-up finishes. The football program won four NJCAA titles in 1965, 1968, 1974 and 1977 under Coach Hank Norton. Norton's Panthers also posted an NJCAA football runner-up finish in 1966, while the men's basketball team earned the same honor in 1972 under Coach Bobby Watson. Individually, Zack Beckner earned an NCAA Division III national runner-up finish when he reached the finals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at 125 pounds under Coach Nate Yetzer.
Ferrum's baseball team won 11 conference championships as an NCAA program, while women's basketball and softball have earned seven each, men's wrestling five, football four, men's basketball three and men's lacrosse two.
Panther teams have made 25 NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, led by baseball with 10, football with five and women's basketball and softball with four each. Individually, 18 student-athletes have made trips to the NCAA Tournament, led by men's wrestling with 14 and men's golf with four. Current head wrestling coach Logan Meister holds the record for individual appearances with three.
Ferrum currently fields over 20 sports and has just over 400 student-athletes competing as Panthers. The athletics department is a diverse and inclusive family that promotes the student-athlete experience through education, leadership, competition and sportsmanship while fulfilling the college’s mission of entering with promise and leaving with purpose.
Ferrum Director of Athletics Cleive Adams is looking forward to the opportunities Division II athletics and the Conference bring for the college’s future.
“I’m beyond excited about our new journey towards Division II. Ferrum College Athletics has a rich legacy and meaningful traditions we will carry with us. The opportunity to join Conference Carolinas presents a great partnership opportunity for the college and our athletic department. Scholarship athletics will bring us a new, diversified competitive base across five states. As we move forward in establishing the Ferrum College of the future, a destination of choice for student-athletes in our region, I’m encouraged by the natural progression of this journey. I'm looking forward to every step along the way as Division II Conference Carolinas competition becomes a campus wide source of pride and purpose for Ferrum College's future. Go Panthers!"
Located in Ferrum, Virginia, Ferrum is the second-ever Conference Carolinas member institution from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Former league member Longwood University, located in Farmville, Virginia, marked the first time Conference Carolinas originally featured a member from the state of Virginia. Longwood was a member of Conference Carolinas from 1995-2003 before leaving NCAA Division II to join NCAA Division I.
Conference Carolinas has a rich tradition in roots that dates back to its inception on Dec. 6, 1930. The NCAA Division II athletics conference presently has member schools located in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Member institutions for the upcoming 2024-25 academic year are Barton, Belmont Abbey, Chowan, Converse, Emmanuel, Erskine, Francis Marion, King, Lees-McRae, Mount Olive, UNC Pembroke, North Greenville, Shorter, Southern Wesleyan and Young Harris.
Conference Carolinas believes in the development and formation of the whole person in body, mind and soul. Our students are nationally recognized for their extraordinary success in the classroom, in the community and at the highest levels of NCAA competition.
Conference Carolinas is built upon the idea of offering challenging NCAA competition in an environment that fosters both the academic and athletic achievements of its student-athletes. Conference members offer exemplary educations and scholarships for performance in the classroom and on the field. Conference Carolinas and its members are committed to challenging adversity and building tomorrow's leaders.
Conference Carolinas is a sole sponsor of 24 sports and also collaborates with two other conferences (South Atlantic Conference and Great Midwest Athletic Conference) to offer opportunities in four additional sports for a total of 28 in the 2024-25 academic year. Conference Carolinas will be a sole sponsor of 25 sports and offer opportunities for a total of 29 sports with the official addition of football in the 2025-26 academic year.
The ability to provide its membership sports sponsorship in 29 sports is the most in all of NCAA Division II. In addition, Conference Carolinas also provides championship opportunities for its member institutions in esports and spirit.
This is all in addition to hosting developmental championships in various sports for its member institutions. Conference Carolinas is believed to be the first NCAA conference to offer sub-varsity championships to its members.
Current Conference Carolinas Membership
*Atlantic Christian/Barton: 1930-31--present
Belmont Abbey: 1989-90--present
Chowan: 2019-20--present
Converse: 2008-09--present
Emmanuel: 2018-19--present
Erskine: 1995-96--present
Ferrum: 2025-26
Francis Marion: 2021--present
King: 2011-12--present
Lees-McRae: 1993-94--present
Mount Olive: 1988-89--present
UNC Pembroke: 1976-92; 2021-22--present
North Greenville: 2011-12--present
Shorter: 2024-25
Southern Wesleyan: 2016-17--present
Young Harris: 2023--present
*Charter Member
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