USCAA Announces New Members for 2025-26
PITTSBURGH, PA -- The United States Collegiate Athletic Association and its Board of Directors announced on Monday the addition of four new members for the 2025-26 academic year: Virginia State University, Bloomfield College (NJ) and Denmark Technical College were granted full membership within the USCAA and are immediately championship eligible, while John Melvin Christian College - Winter Park Campus (FL) was granted exploratory membership
Bloomfield College (NJ)
Bloomfield College is the only 4-year college in New Jersey recognized simultaneously as a Predominantly Black Institution, Hispanic Serving Institution, and Minority Serving Institution.
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University athletic teams previously competed in the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division II, as members of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC). Men's sports included baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, and track and field; while women's sports included basketball, bowling, cross country, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball.
Bloomfield College of Montclair State University announced on July 15, 2025, that it would transition from NCAA Division II to compete in the USCAA Division 1, beginning a multi-year process aimed at elevating its athletic programs. The school plans to compete as a member of USCAA Division 1 starting with the 2025–26 season, positioning itself among other competitive programs within the association.
As part of this transition, Bloomfield College is committed to supporting its student-athletes by providing competitive opportunities and academic resources throughout the process, ensuring a smooth and successful integration into USCAA Division 1 competition.
"We are beyond excited to welcome Bloomfield College of Montclair State University to the USCAA", says USCAA COO, BJ Bertges. "The USCAA aligns perfectly with their mission and vision for athletics moving forward and I look forward to seeing their success not only in the USCAA but in the North American Conference for Intercollegiate Athletics (NACIA).
Denmark Technical College
Denmark Technical College is a public community college in Denmark, South Carolina. The college primarily serves Bamberg, Barnwell and Allendale counties in South Carolina.
Denmark Technical College will compete in the sports of men’s and women’s basketball and men’s soccer within the USCAA.
"Denmark Technical College will be a great fit for the Association", says Bertges. "Having had success as members of the NJCAA, we are excited to see them expand their programs and success to the USCAA as well".
John Melvin Christian College - Winter Park, FL
John Melvin Christian College of Florida (JMCC) offers a unique opportunity for Christian student-athletes to pursue their athletic passions while receiving a high-quality Christian education. Our institution provides a comprehensive collegiate experience through strategically located learning centers across the state of Florida. These centers not only serve as academic hubs but also offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, fostering a well-rounded educational environment. JMCC is committed to expanding its reach and impact throughout Florida.
When asked about the Winter Park campus of John Melvin Christian College, Bertges had this to say, "As the Winter Park campus of John Melvin Christian College joins the USCAA ranks as an exploratory member, we are excited to support the continued growth of the John Melvin University system as they help the Association continue to grow our presence in the southeast".
Virginia State University
Virginia State University (VSU or Virginia State) is a public historically Black land-grant university in Ettrick, Virginia, United States. Founded on March 6, 1882, Virginia State developed as the United States's first fully state-supported four-year institution of higher learning for Black Americans. The university is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Virginia State has 20 Division II athletic teams on campus and is a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) conference where they have 14 competing sports teams and 6 additional. VSU will compete in selected sports within the USCAA this season.
"I am thrilled to welcome Virginia State University to the USCAA", says Bertges. "Having hosted our Basketball National Championships on their campus in years past, we are very familiar with their department and programs and excited to have the opportunity to continue to work with their staff and provide outstanding experiences for their student-athletes. They will join the likes of other NCAA Division II dual affiliates within the Association, one of the many things that makes the USCAA a truly unique and inclusive organization".
About the USCAA
The primary goal of the USCAA is to provide members with an Association that is devoted to the growth, vision, and values of their institutions. The USCAA’s focus is to enhance member institutions through athletics. The association intends to achieve this goal by providing opportunities for small colleges to compete on an equal level of competition with schools of similar size and athletic programs. The USCAA conducts 15 National Championships, names All-Americans, recognizes scholar athletes, and promotes USCAA member schools in various ways. The USCAA believes that the integrity and credibility of the Association and its members are paramount in accomplishing its goal.