Frontier Conference expanding to 11 full-time schools

The Frontier Conference isn’t sitting idly by. Instead, the league is changing with the times. And last week, The Frontier Conference Council of Presidents unanimously voted to accept Bellevue University, Dakota State University, Mayville State University, and Valley City State University as full conference members beginning in the 2025-26 academic year. This will bring the Frontier Conference to 11 full-time members.

The four institutions will move to the Frontier from the North Star Athletic Association which will cease operations following the 2024-25 academic year. They will join Dickinson State University which announced its move to the conference in December.

"Today's press announcement marks an historic change for the Frontier Conference, establishing one of the most competitive and powerful athletic conferences in the NAIA. I am grateful to my colleagues on the Council of Presidents for the Frontier Conference, especially to Dr. Les Cook, Chancellor of Montana Tech and our Membership Chair, and Dr. Scott Crawford, Frontier Conference Commissioner, for their efforts in making this day a reality. The real beneficiaries of today's expansion of the Frontier Conference will be our student-athletes!” stated Dr. John Cech, Chair of the Frontier Conference Council of Presidents and President of Carroll College.

In addition to the 11 full-time members, the conference will have 13 football-playing programs, including associate members.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome these additional institutions to the Frontier Conference. Expanding the makeup of our conference along with increasing the number of institutions not only strengthens the conference, but the quality and level of competition. I’m grateful for the collaborative work of our colleagues and all of those who made this happen. It’s a monumental day for all of us and an exciting one for the Frontier Conference,” shared Dr. Les Cook, Chair of the Frontier Conference Membership Committee and Chancellor of Montana Technological University.

Bellevue University, located in Bellevue, Nebraska, is home to the Bruins. The Bruins sponsor baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, eSports, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's track and field, and women's volleyball.

“Joining the Frontier Conference is a wise move for Bellevue University. It allows us to be part of a larger conference with an east-west division structure. We will build new relationships with Frontier schools and maintain our strong relationships with our North Star colleagues. Our focus is on providing our student-athletes with a great collegiate experience,” said Mary Hawkins, Bellevue University President.

Dakota State University, located in Madison, South Dakota, is home to the Trojans. The Trojans compete in baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, eSports, football, women's soccer, softball, men's and women's track and field, and women's volleyball.

“This is a distinctive time for Dakota State University athletics. Not only are we opening brand new facilities that will expand the opportunities for our teams, but moving to the Frontier Conference will provide our student-athletes with the chance to reach new heights in the competition arena as well as in the classroom,” said Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, President of Dakota State University.

Mayville State University, located in Mayville, North Dakota, is home to the Comets. The Comets sponsor baseball, men's and women's basketball, football, men's and women's golf, softball, and women's volleyball.

“We at Mayville State University are excited about our association with the Frontier Conference. Our coaches and student-athletes look forward to competing with familiar rivals, as well as some new ones. We thank the Frontier Conference and its officials for this opportunity,” said Dr. Brian Van Horn, President of Mayville State University.

Valley City State University, located in Valley City, North Dakota, is home to the Vikings. The Vikings compete in baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, football, men's and women's golf, shooting sports, softball, men's and women's track and field, and women's volleyball.

“We are excited to join the Frontier Conference and I am looking forward to seeing many of our long-standing competitors as well as some new faces,” VCSU President Alan LaFave said. “Keeping the five NSAA schools together helps to preserve traditional rivalries for our students, alumni and fans. As with all large decisions at VCSU, we evaluate how options will affect student experiences. I’m certain this move will enhance and elevate the experiences of our athletes and supporters.”

"Today's announcement solidifies the future of the Frontier Conference through added strength in both institutional members and additional sport offerings to grow enrollments. This announcement also sends a message of stability throughout the region regarding the future of the NAIA and the way NAIA members operate. I cannot express sufficient gratitude to all parties involved in making today happen. I hope all those now connected to the Frontier Conference will take great pride in this accomplishment. Let's now turn our gaze to the horizon of a fierce, formidable, and fearless Frontier Conference,” shared Dr. Scott Crawford, Frontier Conference Commissioner.