HBCU Athletic Conference Expansion: A New Era for Black College Athletics

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC), originally founded in 1981 as the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, is undergoing a significant transformation marked by expansion and rebranding. This evolution is aimed at enhancing its visibility, competitiveness, and the opportunities it provides for student-athletes.

Origins and Evolution of the HBCUAC

The league's origins trace back to a series of meetings held over four years, culminating in its establishment as the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) in 1981. That August, the GCAC became an affiliate conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Thomas Howell served as the first conference commissioner from 1981 to 2014, followed by Steve Martin from 2014 to 2019.

Leadership and Vision of Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes

Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, the current commissioner based in New Orleans, has been instrumental in driving these changes. A former student-athlete and basketball coach, Barnes brings a wealth of experience to her role in athletic administration. She became the first full-time employee of the HBCUAC since 2022. Part of Baker Barnes’ undertaking was the approval by the Council of Presidents for conference expansion and rebranding of the league to fit its membership.

Barnes actively participated in the She’s Got Time Women in Sports Summit, engaging in discussions about leadership, emotional intelligence, and advocacy within the sports industry. Her leadership reflects a commitment to empowering the next generation of athletes and administrators.

Rebranding and Strategic Partnerships

After nearly three years of planning, the league emerged as the HBCU Athletic Conference on July 1, 2024, marking a strategic decision to rebrand from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference to the HBCU Athletic Conference, accompanied by the tagline “Where Winners Thrive.” The decision to rebrand was driven by a desire for a more distinctive identity that aligns with the conference's mission and facilitates future expansion. Barnes collaborated closely with stakeholders, including student-athletes, coaches, and athletic directors, to ensure the new identity resonated with all members. This change marks a bold step toward elevating the conference's visibility and influence within the competitive landscape of HBCU conferences, distinguishing it from other divisions within NCAA Division I and II.

Prior to its name change, the conference secured a title sponsorship agreement with Hope Credit Union, the nation’s leading Black- and women-owned financial institution. Commissioner Baker Barnes went on to nail down the most extensive media rights and funding deal in NAIA history, partnering with Urban Edge Network to provide streaming television services for all member schools. In its first year, the network had nearly 1.2 million views across all its channels (main network and member schools). In its second year (2023-24), viewership exploded to 11.9 million views from July 1, 2023 to May 30, 2024. The conference continuously seeks partnerships with organizations that share its vision for promoting excellence in collegiate athletics.

Looking ahead, Barnes is focused on forging strategic partnerships and leveraging digital platforms such as HBCUAC TV to further enhance the conference's reach and impact. These initiatives are aimed at solidifying the HBCUAC's position as a leading entity in college sports, while also providing opportunities for growth and development for its member institutions.

Expansion with Huston-Tillotson University and Paul Quinn College

On March 31, 2025, the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) proudly announced the addition of Huston-Tillotson University and Paul Quinn College as full members, effective July 1, 2025. 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.

Huston-Tillotson University

Huston-Tillotson University, located in Austin, Texas, is nicknamed the Rams. Its previous conference was the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC). The President of Huston-Tillotson is Dr. Melva K. Wallace, and the Athletic Director is Thomas Henderson. The university offers five men’s and six women’s sports.

Huston-Tillotson was established in 1875 and is Austin’s first institution of higher learning. It is affiliated with The United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). HT is a coeducational college of liberal arts and sciences, operating jointly under the auspices of the American Missionary Association of the United Church of Christ, and the Board of Education of The United Methodist Church. Huston-Tillotson College officially changed its name to Huston-Tillotson University on February 28, 2005.

“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.”

Paul Quinn College

Paul Quinn College, located in Dallas, Texas, is nicknamed the Tigers and also transitioned from the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC). The President is Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, and the Athletic Director is Brian Evans. The college offers four men’s and five women’s sports.

Founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1872 in Austin. Zahiyah Carter is a Tennessean who was forced to move to the Lone Star State. She is a sophomore at Paul Quinn College, the oldest HBCU west of the Mississippi River.

Read also: Top HBCU Bands

“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.”

Joint Celebration and Future Prospects

Published Mar 31, 2025|Modified Mar 31, 2025 by KYLE T. MOSLEY. My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player).

Monday, March 31st, 2025, marked a historic day for Dallas HBCU Paul Quinn College (PQC). Dallas Weekly was able to ask both presidents what this joint journey means for the individual legacies of their respective institutions.

“You can come together and create something that is FUBU. “There is power in celebrating your uniqueness,” added PQC President Michael J. As the press conference continued, it was clear that there was no shortage of unity. There was plenty of camaraderie between PQC Athletic Director Brian Evans and HTU Athletic Director Thomas C. Henderson. Both men expressed their happiness with the addition of their colleges to the HBCUAC. The importance of these two small colleges coming together at this time exceeded many expectations. The celebrated expansion highlighted that both schools historically emphasized student academics ahead of sports.

To cap off the event, Commissioner Barnes introduced the newly designed trophy that winning teams will receive in 2025.

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.

HBCU4Us Association: A United Front

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a groundbreaking moment for collegiate sports, the four NCAA athletic conferences comprised primarily of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) have formed a united front to protect and elevate the future of Black college athletics. Sonja O. Collectively, these commissioners oversee dozens of institutions steeped in tradition and athletic excellence. “The formation of the HBCU4Us Association marks a new era of collaboration,” the commissioners said. The timing of this partnership is significant. NCAA athletics is undergoing rapid transformation, from NIL policies to realignment, reshaping traditional rivalries.

Delaware State University's Ambitious Transformation

Delaware State University (DSU) is mapping out an ambitious $125 million transformation of its athletic program. The plan, first reported by Katie Tabeling in the Delaware Business Times on Aug. 20, underscores a sweeping vision set by DSU President Tony Allen and Athletic Director Tony Tucker.

Delaware State University, a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) member and one of only 23 NCAA Division I HBCUs, has struggled to find consistency on the football field. That has not deterred Allen or Tucker. Their plan includes a new field house with turf, upgrades to the football stadium, and a multi-purpose arena that would also serve as a convocation center. Allen told Delaware legislators this spring that such investments were essential to sustain DSU’s rapid expansion. “Our future growth is clear and compelling,” Allen said during an April hearing.

To bring this vision to life, Tucker made a key hire: Temesghen Starr, DSU Athletics’ first dedicated fundraiser. “I’ve always looked at DSU as a hidden gem,” Tucker said. “The question was how to realize that potential. Equally crucial is the coaching talent now on board. After a fortuitous introduction, Tucker persuaded former Philadelphia Eagles star DeSean Jackson-who retired from the NFL in 2023-to take over as DSU’s football coach. “He checked off a lot of boxes,” Tucker said.

The attention is extending beyond recruiting. DSU has lined up ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. Tucker insists the goal is not merely to rise within the MEAC but to position Delaware State as a national contender. “We’re not looking to be just great within the MEAC,” he said. “We’re looking to be great nationally, and we have big aspirations.

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