Huston-Tillotson University and Paul Quinn College will become the newest full members of the HBCU Athletic Conference effective July 1, 2025, as announced by the conference Monday. Both institutions will transition from the Red River Conference, bringing the total membership of the HBCUAC to 15 schools. This expansion marks a significant step in the conference’s ongoing commitment to fostering competitive excellence and providing increased championship opportunities for its student-athletes.
“We are thrilled to welcome Huston-Tillotson University and Paul Quinn College to the HBCU Athletic Conference,” said HBCUAC Commissioner Kiki Baker Barnes, PhD. “Both institutions bring a rich tradition of athletic and academic excellence, and their addition strengthens our conference’s mission to elevate HBCU athletics while creating more opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
Huston-Tillotson University offers a robust athletic program featuring men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, track and field, baseball, softball, and women’s volleyball. Paul Quinn College competes in men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, track and field, and women’s volleyball. Their inclusion not only enhances the level of competition within the conference but also paves the way for the addition of men’s and women’s soccer as official HBCUAC championship sports.
“Joining the HBCUAC is a game-changer for HT,” said Huston-Tillotson President Melva K. Wallace. “This move elevates our athletic program, increases our recruiting power, and places our student-athletes in a league where their talent and hard work will be seen and celebrated. It opens the door to stronger rivalries, greater exposure, and the kind of competitive excellence that builds champions on and off the field.”
“The Quinnite Nation is tremendously excited about joining the HBCUAC,” said Paul Quinn President Michael Sorrell. “We understood the conference’s value and appeal from day one and are grateful to have been invited to join. The opportunity to continue our friendly rivalries with Wiley and H-T, have our own streaming platform, and elevate our athletic programs on a national level represents the type of future we want for our students and community.”
With the addition of Huston-Tillotson University and Paul Quinn College, the HBCUAC continues its strategic growth, reinforcing its position as a premier conference for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The introduction of men’s and women’s soccer as championship sports reflects the league’s commitment to expanding athletic opportunities and increasing competitive equity among its member institutions.