Message from the President: WAC Expansion
January 14, 2021
Dear Campus Community:
As always, I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy in 2021. Additionally, I wish everyone a safe and successful Spring Semester.
I am writing you today to make you aware that the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), of which UTRGV (and legacy institution UTPA) has been a member since 2013, has just announced a significant expansion to its current membership. These five universities will soon be joining the WAC:
- Abilene Christian University
- Lamar University
- Sam Houston State University
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- Southern Utah University
The WAC currently has nine members and will be on track to have 13 in 2022-23 following this expansion and the voluntary departure of Chicago State on June 30, 2022.
How does the expansion affect UTRGV?
Overall, the WAC expansion is important to UTRGV because it provides conference stability. This stability benefits our athletics department, which as you know, has flourished - both in the classroom and in athletic competitions - during the transition to UTRGV.
One immediate benefit is travel. With six of the 13 conference members situated in Texas, travel will become much more efficient and could potentially reduce the amount of missed class time by our student-athletes. In addition, the proximity of the schools will allow for in-state rivalries and will be beneficial as we expand student recruiting outside of the Rio Grande Valley.
The expansion also opens opportunities for UTRGV that have not previously existed. Among the new opportunities is the possibility of new athletic programs, including additional women’s sports and football.
As you may recall, we conducted a football feasibility study a few years ago, but at the time, there was no clear path forward. The WAC expansion may provide such a path, one that includes participation in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Therefore, this is a good time to reevaluate the possibility of football at UTRGV.
Our intent to explore the establishment of a football program will require significant discussion with students, the entire university community and the community at large. Much work remains to be done before any new sport can be implemented. We would also be required to obtain both student and UT System Board of Regents approval.
As always, we will continue to update you on our progress. In the meantime, for more information regarding the WAC expansion, please visit the conference website as well as our UTRGV athletics website.
Sincerely,
Guy Bailey
President