APRIL 5, 2024 PRESS CONFERENCE

FERRUM, Virginia -- Ferrum College is excited to announce that we have accepted a bid to join Conference Carolinas and will begin #TheJourney to compete in Division II athletics in 2025. Ferrum College President Mirta Martin said "we are honored to receive this invitation, and excited to find a home with Conference Carolinas."

Originally a two-year junior college founded in 1913, Ferrum transitioned into a sports powerhouse that grew to a four-year college and joined Division III in the 1985-86 academic year. The Panthers joined the Dixie Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (DIAC) in 1986-87, which became the USA South Athletic Conference in February of 2003. Then in the 2018-19 academic year, Ferrum accepted a bid and moved to the ODAC.

"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. 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." said President Martin.

Ferrum will become the 16th full time institution to join the CC. As of now the Panthers will be the only school in the state of Virginia. Members include those from North Carolina (Barton, Belmont-Abbey, Chowan, Lees-McRae, Mount Olive and UNC Pembroke), South Carolina (Converse, Erskine, Francis Marion, North Greenville and Southern Wesleyan) Georgia (Emanuel and Young Harris) and Tennessee (King). Shorter University (Georgia) will be a full time member in the 2024-25 Academic Year.

"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."

The Conference Carolinas currently sponsors 24 sports, acrobatics and tumbling, baseball, women's beach volleyball, softball, men's and women's basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, lacrosse, swimming and diving, soccer, tennis, track & field (indoor and outdoor) volleyball, and wrestling. Ferrum will be eligible for all conference,awards and championships. 

"The move to Division II athletics reflects Ferrum College's dedication to ensuring a quality overall athletic experience for our students while maintaining our steadfast commitment to academic excellence and integrity," stated Scott Showalter, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ferrum College.

In the 2024-25 academic year the CC will be the sole sponsor of 25 sports and offer up to 29 sports with the addition of football in the 2025-26 academic year. They collaborate with the South Atlantic Conference and Great Midwest Athletic Conference to offer four of those sports conference membership. CC is also believed to be the first NCAA conference to offer sub-varsity championships to its members.

"It also offers Ferrum College the opportunity to open new avenues for growth and success on and off the field in a values-based culture," said Martin. "This transformative initiative encompasses several key components, each designed to propel Ferrum College to new heights of distinction, service and impact. Central to our mission is the holistic development and well-being of every student."

The addition of Ferrum 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.

"As we embark on this new chapter in our athletic journey, I am confident that our transition to Division II will not only enhance the competitiveness of our programs but also strengthen the sense of pride and unity within our Ferrum community", said Showalter

Martin also introduced three individuals she called "Ferrum College Dynasty."  They included Coach Abe Naff, who served as Ferrum College's baseball coach for 23 years and A.D. for 15 years, and who is ranked among the top five in NCAA Division 3 most winningest coaches; Mr. Billy Wagner, who played 16 seasons as a pitcher in Major League Baseball and who is one of only eight major league relief pitchers to accumulate at least 400 career saves; and, Mr. Everett Foxx, an all-American, Hall of Fame player who played professionally and who to this day still holds Ferrum College's all-time leading scoring record. He also serves as second Vice President for our Ferrum College Board of Trustees.

 "We are simply getting back to the foundation this College was built on! I urge all of you to join us in #TheJourney!", stated Director of Athletics Cleive Adams.  "One of the key components of the Division 2 model is a commitment from the top, and here at Ferrum College there is no doubt that we have the full support of our Leadership!" 

PROJECTED TIMELINE OF TRANSITION FROM NCAA DIVISION III TO DIVISION II
March 2024 - Board of Trustees Approves Proposal to seek membership in Division II 
April 2024 - Invite to join Conference Carolinas
February 2025 - Application to NCAA
Summer 2025 - Official Approval from NCAA into DII
Fall 2025 - Begin DII competition in CC
July 2027 - permanent membership into CC

For more information about the Conference Carolinas, visit www.conferencecarolinas.com