Millsaps College Set to Return to the SCAC in 2027-28

Courtesy the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference

SUWANEE, Ga. – The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference announced today that Millsaps College will return to the conference beginning with the 2027-28 academic year after the SCAC Presidents Council approved the college's formal application for membership.

When Millsaps returns in 2027, the Jackson, Mississippi-based institution will rejoin the conference it first called home in 1989 after competing as an NCAA Division III independent since 1973. At the time, the league was known as the College Athletic Conference, and the Majors became one of its longest-tenured members before departing with six fellow institutions in 2012.

"Joining the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference is a natural fit for Millsaps and an important step in advancing our institutional priorities," said Millsaps College President Frank Neville. "This transition reflects our commitment to providing an exceptional student-athlete experience while supporting the goals of our strategic vision. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to building an even stronger tradition of competitive excellence in Millsaps athletics."

Millsaps currently has 19 varsity programs and approximately 385 student-athletes. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis and track and field. Women's sports include basketball, cross country, flag football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field and volleyball.

"As current Chair of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, I am delighted to welcome Millsaps College into a league defined by academic excellence, spirited competition, and shared values," said Centenary College President Christopher Holoman. "Millsaps brings a strong tradition and a commitment to the student-athlete experience that will enrich our conference community from day one. We look forward to the championships ahead and to the strengthened bonds this partnership will create across the SCAC."

"We are thrilled to welcome Millsaps back to its original Division III conference home," said Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry. "Millsaps has a proud history within the SCAC, and I have no doubt the institution will once again be an outstanding fit. Having previously worked with several of the college's current administrators and coaches, I know firsthand the values they bring, and I am confident they will once again thrive with the collaborative culture that defines the SCAC."

The Majors have captured 22 conference championships as members of the CAC/SCAC and 10 titles in the Southern Athletic Association.

"The SCAC has long been an important part of Millsaps athletics history, and we are excited to renew this longstanding relationship beginning in the fall of 2027," said Millsaps College Athletic Director Justin LeBlanc. "Rejoining the SCAC represents an exciting opportunity for the future of Millsaps College and our athletic department as we continue to provide an outstanding academic and athletic experience for our student-athletes."

Millsaps was founded in 1890 by Major Reuben Webster Millsaps, whose $50,000 gift established the college. Millsaps is dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation, and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of its region.

Situated on 100 acres in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi, Millsaps offers the close-knit feel of a residential liberal arts college while preparing students to become informed, creative thinkers committed to lives of learning, service and leadership.

Approximately 600 students are enrolled at Millsaps, mostly undergraduates. While affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the college offers a secular curriculum and has a student body composed of people from many different religious backgrounds. Millsaps is a member of the Associated Colleges of the South. 

With the addition of Millsaps, the SCAC will consist of 11 full members beginning in 2027-28.

"Adding another full member is something that makes sense for us on several levels," added Hanberry. "We've successfully operated with as many as 12 institutions before, so I believe our presidents would be receptive to expanding again, provided any prospective member is the right geographic and cultural fit for the conference."

Millsaps becomes the third institution to enjoy a second tenure in the conference, joining Hendrix College and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Hendrix returned in 2025 after competing in the SCAC from 1992-2012. Rose-Hulman competed from 1974-89 before returning in 1998 and remaining through 2005-06.

SOUTHERN COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE

The SCAC, originally known as the College Athletic Conference (CAC) upon its formation in 1962, is comprised of some of the most prestigious liberal arts colleges and universities in the region.

The SCAC was formed to provide an association through which the member institutions may encourage organized competition in intercollegiate sports among team's representative of their respective student bodies. Members of this conference share a commitment to priority of the overall quality of academic standards and quality educational experiences.

SCAC member institutions are committed to sponsoring a variety of varsity sports to maximize opportunities for student participation. SCAC schools also operate under the principle that participation in sports should be solely from student interest and enjoyment of athletic competition, and that no financial aid shall be given to any student which is conditional upon athletic ability or participation in intercollegiate sports.

SCAC member institutions support students in their efforts to reach high levels of performance by providing them with adequate facilities, competent coaching and appropriate competitive opportunities with students from similar institutions.

2027-28 CONFERENCE MEMBERSHIP (First year of participation)
Austin College – Sherman, Texas (2006)
Colorado College – Colorado Springs, Colorado (2006)
University of Dallas – Irving, Texas (2011)
Centenary College – Shreveport, Louisiana (2012)
Texas Lutheran University – Seguin, Texas (2013)
University of St. Thomas – Houston, Texas (2019)
Concordia University Texas – Austin, Texas (2024)
University of the Ozarks – Clarksville, Arkansas (2024)
LeTourneau University – Longview, Texas (2025)
Hendrix College – Conway, Arkansas (1992-2012; 2025)
Millsaps College - Jackson, Mississippi (1989-2012; 2027)