General | 10/15/2026 12:00:00 PM
HEBRON, Ky. -- The River States Conference announced Tuesday that Salem University in Salem, West Virginia has been accepted as a full member of the River States Conference after a vote of the RSC Council of Presidents at their bi-annual meeting in Hebron, Kentucky. The Tigers will become official members on July 1, 2027 and will join conference play in the 2027-28 academic year.
This new affiliation provides Salem University with a regional conference home and new opportunities for its student-athletes to compete for conference and national championships.
"For more than 100 years, athletics has been an important part of the Salem experience. Joining the NAIA and competing as part of a conference is an important next chapter for our university and our student-athletes," said Paul Weber, President of Salem University. "We value the NAIA's focus on the whole student, supporting success in the classroom, in competition and in life after college. We believe this is a strong fit for Salem and the future of our athletic programs."
The River States Conference, known for its competitive 18 championship sports, voted to welcome Salem as the league's second West Virginia-based member.
"The River States Conference is thrilled to welcome Salem University to our league as a new member," River States Conference Commissioner T-Ray Fletcher said. "The Tigers give us another member in the state of West Virginia, and we are excited to offer conference championship opportunities to the Tigers' student athletes."
Salem's return to the NAIA provides its athletic programs with a defined championship pathway through conference and national competition. Conference membership will also establish a regional schedule for Salem teams, strengthening competition against institutions throughout the region.
"Salem University has competed as an NCAA Division II Independent since the 2015–16 academic year in most of our athletic programs. After more than a decade competing outside of a conference affiliation, the University's transition to the NAIA represents an opportunity to establish a new competitive structure and conference home for Salem student-athletes, said Salem University Director of Athletics Alex Joseph. "The NAIA gives us the opportunity to find a conference home and allows us to develop regional rivalries while creating a competitive model for Salem Athletics."
The University's move to the NAIA and the River States Conference is part of a broader vision for the future of Salem Athletics. Salem currently sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs and will continue evaluating opportunities to strengthen its athletic offerings and provide student-athletes with competitive and academic opportunities that support the University's mission.
About Salem University Athletics:
Salem University Athletics sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs and is committed to providing student-athletes with opportunities to excel academically, athletically and personally. Through competition, leadership and community engagement, Salem Athletics seeks to develop student-athletes who represent the University with pride both on and off the field.
About the River States Conference:
The River States Conference was founded in 1916 as the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The league underwent a re-branding to best reflect its membership and changed its name to the River States Conference on July 1, 2016.
The River States Conference has ten member institutions representing four states -- Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia. The Ohio River flows through the center of the geographic region of the conference and connects the four states.
The River States Conference sponsors championships in 18 championship sports, and its members are affiliated nationally with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).