In alignment with the MGA 2018-2023 strategic plan, under “Build Shared Culture” section, we are charged with “Build(ing) Support for Athletics to inspire pride and loyalty on our campuses and in our communities.” With the new strategic plan being developed for the future of MGA, we determined there was a need for a feasibility study to consider the future for MGA Athletics. 

We hired Athletics Staffing and Consultants (ASC) to provide an analysis as to whether our athletics program should consider membership affiliation with NCAA. ASC has conducted many of these feasibility studies for institutions that are competing in the NAIA, and are considering a move to NCAA Division II. In fact, ASC conducted our feasibility study back in 2013 in MGA’s move from NJCAA (junior college athletics) to the NAIA. The consultants of this project conducted the scope of work with the main goal being to determine the feasibility of Middle Georgia State moving its national affiliation to NCAA DII.

The consultants returned in September 2022. Interviews were conducted with senior administrators, staff, and coaches and looked at all of MGA’s facilities. Supporting materials from us as well as from other institutions, conferences, the NAIA, and the NCAA were documented, analyzed, and evaluated. ASC used the Equity in Athletics Data Analysis (EADA) and the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) reports to obtain large portions of the data and information for the study. The consultants provided us with the information needed to make informed decisions.

Middle Georgia State has been an institution in transition for the past decade and now is a doctoral granting university in the University System of Georgia and the only one with University status that is not currently a member of NCAA. Whether our future growth is significant enough to consider a move to another conference in another national association was partially the consideration that warranted a study such as this, in that this move can be the impetus for elevating Middle Georgia and the athletic program.

Opportunities for MGA Athletics in this move to NCAA Division II include:

• Aligning MGA’s athletics program to the level of other USG institutions within our sector
• Decrease the geographic footprint for our student athletes to travel, reducing the average one-way travel time by nearly half
• Compete with more like-minded public institutions and develop more natural in-state rivalries to increase engagement and participation
• This is an opportunity to Enhance our retention, progression, and graduation efforts
  • NCAA’s Life in the Balance initiative focuses on the student-athlete experience by emphasizing opportunities in academic achievement, high-level athletic competition, and service to community. This academic and personal development focus would complement MGA’s current efforts. We believe a higher level of athletic competition will increase school spirit at our growing state university.
• All current intercollegiate sports sponsored by Middle Georgia State are conference and NCAA championship sports - The competitive level of the Peach Belt conference is more fitting for MGA to raise its level of competitiveness which can occur with such a move to Division II.
• This would allow us to align Middle Georgia State with the nationally recognizable, identifiable, and respected NCAA brand.

MGA shared the results of the feasibility study with campus stakeholders, students, staff, faculty, the MGA Foundation Board and others and gained approval internally prior to making the request to the Board of Regents for approval to move forward.

No. But MGA is committed to effectively working through the process to meet each of the necessary milestones.

Yes, plus MGA will add Women’s Track (Long Distance only) on the Macon campus. 

Visit the Knights Athletics webpage. Also visit the MGA Admissions webpage to learn how to be a future Knight.

Yes! We are committed to creating opportunities for MGA’s student-athletes by providing the necessary financial support to become athletic and academic champions. 

Middle Georgia State University encourages excellence. Our student-athletes routinely average a GPA above that of MGA’s student body as a whole and perform hundreds of hours of volunteer service each year in local schools, camps, and community projects.

Your gift will make a lasting impact in the lives of our student-athletes. Participating in athletics at the university level instills lessons of leadership, discipline, and sacrifice.

• Individual Giving - Middle Georgia State has a legacy of excellent athletic programs, with a history of regional and national championships. We encourage alumni, parents, and friends to support the Knights in continuing this tradition into the future.
• Corporate Sponsors understand the value of combining a strong athletic program with a comprehensive educational experience. Your financial contribution will help MGA athletes excel in the classroom and on the playing field. Sponsors also understand that excellent athletic programs provide great marketing opportunities to an ever-expanding audience of players, supporters, and fans.

Giving site: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/MGAKnights

Ways to Give site: https://www.mga.edu/foundation/give/ways-to-give/index.php

• Cash /Credit Card Gifts - Donations can be made by cash, check, and all major credit cards.
• Pledges - Make your commitment now and select a payment schedule that works for you.
• Recurring gifts - Memberships can be renewed automatically each year.
• Securities - Gifts of appreciated stock will show your support of the Knights and typically allow you to avoid paying capital gains taxes.
• Matching Gifts -The value of your gift can double or triple if your employer matches gifts made by employees.

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