BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Gulf South Conference supports the institutional goals of all its members. The GSC continues to be one of the premier conferences in Division II and is an aspirational home for many institutions within our region. With support from the Gulf South Conference Board of Directors, the Conference continues to evaluate potential membership opportunities.

The Conference acknowledges the challenges this latest Division I reclassification creates for GSC football-playing members. The conference has explored and continues to actively pursue traditional membership solutions and non-traditional partnerships to support GSC Football opportunities. Securing these opportunities has become more challenging in recent years as institutional aspirations and goals continue to evolve as part of a rapidly changing NCAA landscape and increasing financial pressures within higher education.

We appreciate the transparency that the University of West Florida has shown during this process. The institution has been a valued member of the Gulf South Conference for 32 years and leaves a lasting mark on the conference.