AAC Welcomes Kentucky Christian as 16th Full Member
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) continues to expand its reach with the addition of a new full-time member in Kentucky Christian University effective for the 2019-20 season.
Located in Grayson, Ky., KCU becomes the 16th full member of the AAC. The AAC Council of Presidents approved KCU for membership at its fall meeting in November.
"The AAC is very pleased to welcome Kentucky Christian University to the conference," said AAC Commissioner John Sullivan. "KCU brings 12 sponsored sports plus cheer and dance to the AAC including football. With the addition of the Knights, the AAC is closer to sponsoring football as a conference sport. We were particular impressed with KCU's commitment to character development through sports and its mission focus."
KCU joins Union College as the only member schools to be located in Kentucky.
"Kentucky Christian University has sought application to the Appalachian Athletic Conference to align itself with like-minded institutions and a governing body that sees athletics as an integral part of the collegiate experience," said KCU Athletics Director Corey Fipps said. "We believe the AAC will offer our institution the support necessary to take our athletic department to a whole new level for our student-athletes. It is our goal to move our athletic department into a full functioning NAIA member. Here at Kentucky Christian University we hope to be a strong addition to the Appalachian Athletic Conference adding value to an already strong and proud group of academic Institutions who understand the lasting value of collegiate athletics."
KCU is a private, non-profit Christian university located in the beautiful foothills of Eastern Kentucky. Founded in 1919, KCU has been transforming the hearts and minds of students through a Christ-Centered academic community that is both academically rigorous and intimately personal. KCU is committed to providing students with an authentic Christian education that engages students in a transformative educational experience that equips them as effective Christian professionals providing servant leadership for the church and society. KCU is convinced that ministry is the responsibility of all Christ-followers and have therefore intentionally integrated faith and education in such a way that allows each of our students to find their purpose in Christ.
Currently, KCU sponsors 14 intercollegiate athletic programs, 11 of which will compete in the AAC right away. The sports that will compete in the AAC beginning in 2019-20 include men's basketball, women's basketball baseball, men's cross country, women's cross country, men's golf, women's golf, men's soccer, women's soccer, and women's volleyball. KCU presently competes in football in the Mid-South Conference and also offers men's and women's archery.
Here are more facts about KCU:
- Enrollment: 500
- Institution website: www.kcu.edu
- Athletic website: www.kcuknights.com
- Mascot: Knights
- School Colors: Red and Black
- President: Dr. Jeffrey Metcalf
The AAC has full members in six southeastern states. The other full members included: Allen University (S.C.), Bluefield College (Va.), Brenau University (Ga.), Bryan College (Tenn.), Columbia International University (S.C.), Columbia College (S.C.), Milligan College (Tenn.), Montreat College (N.C.), Point University (Ga.), Reinhardt University (Ga.), SCAD Atlanta (Ga.), St. Andrews University (N.C.), Tennessee Wesleyan College, Truett McConnell University (Ga.) and Union College (Ky.). In addition, the league has three affiliate members in Asbury University (Ky.), University of the Cumberlands (Ky.), and West Virginia University Institute of Technology.