Chowan has become the first non-historically black institution to join the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.

Chowan, which is reclassifying to NCAA Division II from Division III, will enter the league with 10 of its 12 athletics programs after competing as a football-only member of the CIAA last season. Including Chowan, the conference now has 12 members.

The Hawks, who will begin competition as a full member in August with volleyball and football, will play in the league’s Western Division, which includes Fayetteville State, Johnson C. Smith, Livingstone, Saint Augustine’s and Shaw. Chowan is located in Murfreesboro, North Carolina.

Bowie State, Elizabeth City State, Lincoln (Pennsylvania), St. Paul’s, Virginia State and Virginia Union make up the CIAA’s Eastern Division.

“Today I am very excited to embark on this visionary journey with Chowan to further the expansion of this great conference,” said CIAA Commissioner Leon G. Kerry. “From a competitive standpoint, Chowan offers a natural rivalry for our existing institutions.”

Chowan also will compete in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, golf, softball, and men’s and women’s tennis. To comply with CIAA sport requirements, Chowan added women’s bowling in February and will embark on the program’s inaugural season in October. In addition, Chowan has plans to revamp the men’s and women’s cross country teams to increase the number of its programs in CIAA competition to 12.

“The marriage of Chowan University to the CIAA holds historical significance that we all are proud of,” said Chowan President Chris White. “Equally as important is the opportunity afforded to our student-athletes and coaches to compete in a conference and potentially gain recognition for their successes on their respective fields of play.”