Grayson, KY — Kentucky Christian University has been accepted as a full member of the River States Conference after a vote of the RSC Council of Presidents last month. The Knights will become official members on July 1, 2025, and will join conference play in the 2025-26 academic year.
This new affiliation will bring KCU’s athletic programs closer to other regional competitors across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia.
“We are grateful for the warm welcome we have received into the River States Conference,” said Dr. Terry Allcorn, President of Kentucky Christian University. “The KCU Knights athletic teams look forward to the competition and the comradery.”
The River States Conference, known for its competitive 18 championship sports, voted unanimously to welcome KCU.
“The River States Conference is excited to welcome Kentucky Christian as a new member,” conference Commissioner Michael Schell said. “They are a good fit with geographic location and academic priorities.”
David Manning, Athletic Director at Kentucky Christian University, emphasized the value of KCU’s inclusion.
“This is great news for our players’ families,” Manning said. “We look forward to creating new athletic rivalries with schools that are more within our geographic area, allowing parents to attend more games and the student/athletes to spend less time out of the classroom; joining the RSC is a great move for KCU.”
With this exciting partnership, Kentucky Christian University is poised for growth in both competition and community for the benefit of its student-athletes and supporters alike, and the River States Conference continues its growth as a premier conference within the NAIA.
About Kentucky Christian University:
Kentucky Christian University is committed to Christ-centered education, offering a broad range of academic programs that prepare students for service in their careers and communities.
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 12 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 five 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).
