Middle Georgia State University Joins NCAA Division II and Peach Belt Conference

MGA will make the transition from the NAIA to the NCAA starting in the fall semester

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Middle Georgia State University officially announced its move from the NAIA to NCAA Division II and entry into the Peach Belt Conference, a milestone expected to significantly impact the institution’s athletic and academic future.

MGA President Dr. Christopher Blake and Director of Athletics Michael Brown made the announcement during a gathering at the Peyton Anderson Enrollment Center on the university’s Macon campus Thursday afternoon. The event was attended by dozens of students, staff, and supporters.

“We want to continue to see more of our Middle Georgia standouts stay home,” Brown said following the announcement. “They’re going to have options here in Macon and some of our other communities that serve the Middle Georgia State region. The NCAA is a well-known brand and a high level of competition that mixes with high-level academics as well.”

The transition will begin in the fall, with the Knights officially starting their journey as an NCAA Division II member.

Among those excited about the move is Kam Plummer, a Houston County High School graduate and incoming freshman at MGA, who will be playing basketball for MGA in the winter.

“I feel like it’s more tough in Division II,” Plummer said. “Division II is not sweet. It’s a lot of good players in there. So my game is gonna evolve more. I’m getting more stronger. There’s a lot that’s gonna happen.”

New head volleyball coach Cara MacFarland, a former Knights standout herself, echoed that enthusiasm. Coach MacFarland is back on campus for her first season in charge, she explained the broader benefits of the NCAA affiliation.

“There’s a lot more organizations, I think, that come with the NCAA, rather than NAIA,” MacFarland said. “Our athletic department is doing a really good job of really promoting our student-athletes, where I felt like when we were here, we didn’t get all of that. Also, the fun stuff – the gear, the traveling, being in the nicer buses and nicer hotels, and also competing with a little bit more of advanced teams.”

She added, “Everyone is excited for change around here, and being able to have our athletic department be so on board is what really makes it special.”

MGA’s transition is set to open new doors for student-athletes throughout the region, as the school begins its next chapter on a national stage.