Huston-Tillotson University and Paul Quinn College Join HBCU Athletic Conference, Marking Historic Expansion and Launch of Soccer Championships
Austin, TX / Dallas, TX – The landscape of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) athletics is evolving with the announcement that Huston-Tillotson University and Paul Quinn College will become full members of the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) effective July 1, 2025. This expansion grows the conference membership to 15 institutions and introduces men’s and women’s soccer as official championship sports, reflecting a significant milestone for the conference and HBCU sports at large.
This development notably amplifies the HBCUAC’s standing as the only National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) conference consisting solely of HBCUs, broadening both the competition and athletic opportunities available to student-athletes. Huston-Tillotson, nestled in Austin, Texas, and Paul Quinn College, located in Dallas, Texas, bring with them a strong tradition of competitive athletics and academic excellence, making this union a game-changing moment for all involved.
Both universities currently compete in a range of sports including men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, track and field, and women’s volleyball. Huston-Tillotson also fields baseball and softball programs, adding further depth to the conference’s sporting diversity. The addition of these programs not only elevates the level of competition within the HBCUAC but also positions the conference to establish men’s and women’s soccer as championship sports — a first for the league.
In statements made during the announcement, HBCUAC Commissioner Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes emphasized the transformative impact of the expansion, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Huston-Tillotson University and Paul Quinn College to the HBCU Athletic Conference. 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.” Dr. Barnes’ leadership since 2022 has seen the conference nearly double in size, underscoring a strategic vision to broaden the reach and competitiveness of HBCU sports.
Huston-Tillotson University’s move to the HBCUAC marks its first conference change in over 25 years. Since its founding in 1875, HTU has been a beacon of Black higher education and athletic ambition, recently earning a place on the National Register of Historic Places for its historic significance as Austin’s first institution of higher learning and the city’s sole HBCU. HTU’s President, Dr. Melva K. Wallace, described the move as “a game-changer for HT,” emphasizing how joining the HBCUAC will increase the university’s recruiting power and offer student-athletes a platform to showcase their talent in a conference attuned to their heritage and aspirations.
Similarly, Paul Quinn College, with a proud history rooted in Dallas, brings athletic programs that are well-prepared to compete at this enhanced level. PQC President Dr. Michael J. Sorrell called the union with the conference “a family celebration” and spoke to how this will add to the legacy of both the school and the broader HBCU community.
The HBCU Athletic Conference, founded in 1981, has been steadily growing in prominence. With powerhouses like Dillard University, Fisk University, and reigning conference champion Stillman University among its ranks, the addition of Huston-Tillotson and Paul Quinn cements the HBCUAC’s reputation as a competitive and culturally resonant league. The conference’s motto, “Where Winners Thrive,” was underscored by the unveiling of a new championship trophy set to be competed for in the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Looking ahead, the inclusion of men’s and women’s soccer as championship sports opens new competitive frontiers and recruitment opportunities. Soccer is rapidly gaining popularity at HBCUs, and the HBCUAC’s embracing of the sport reflects broader trends in collegiate athletics, including expanding student-athlete options, varied athletic engagement, and increased visibility for these institutions.
This milestone also arrives amid broader shifts in college athletics surrounding NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policies, transfer portals, and media rights deals—trends that have begun to influence HBCU programs by offering athlete empowerment and exposure previously limited in scope. The HBCUAC’s expansion ensures that its member institutions and athletes are well-positioned to benefit from these national shifts, securing a more competitive and sustainable future.
Fans and supporters can look forward to competitive showdowns in the 2025-26 season as Huston-Tillotson and Paul Quinn integrate fully into the conference schedule. Both schools will face longstanding rivals and new challengers alike in basketball, volleyball, track and field, and now official conference soccer tournaments. The move will also intensify recruiting battles in Texas and across the region, with each program benefiting from the increased exposure and high-level competition that comes with HBCUAC membership.
In sum, the addition of Huston-Tillotson University and Paul Quinn College to the HBCU Athletic Conference represents more than a conference realignment; it is a reaffirmation of the vitality and growth potential of HBCU athletics. These institutions are set to elevate the competitive landscape, enrich the cultural fabric of the conference, and provide student-athletes with enhanced opportunities to excel both academically and athletically.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, the HBCUAC’s expanded roster of 15 schools promises dynamic competition and a fresh chapter of HBCU sports history—with Huston-Tillotson and Paul Quinn poised to play starring roles.
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