A New Era: Northwood Athletics Officially Joins The Great Midwest Athletic Conference

MIDLAND, MICH. – Northwood University officially became a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC) Friday (July 1).

"We are excited to start this new era," said NU Athletic Director Jeff Curtis. "The GMAC is a conference on the rise and Northwood University is thrilled to be a part of its bright future."

Northwood University was founded in 1959 and formed its first varsity athletic program with its men's basketball team in 1960-61. Northwood joined the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) in 1972. It remained in the GLIAC until the 1986-87 only to return in 1992. The Timberwolves won a total of 56 GLIAC Championships in its time as a member of the league. Northwood currently sports a total of 18 NCAA Division II varsity sports.

Established in 2011–12, the Great Midwest Athletic Conference is entering its 11th year as an active NCAA Division II conference with membership in the states of Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee. The 13 full member institutions include Ashland University, Cedarville University, University of Findlay, Hillsdale College, Kentucky Wesleyan College, Lake Erie College, Malone University, Northwood University, Ohio Dominican University, Tiffin University, Trevecca Nazarene University, Ursuline College, and Walsh University. Thomas More is slated to join the conference as provisional member for the 2023-24 academic year. Great Midwest associate member institutions feature Alderson Broaddus University, Davis & Elkins College, Mercyhurst University, Seton Hill University, and Wheeling University, all in the sport of men's lacrosse.

 "We are thrilled to official be a part of the GMAC," said Northwood University president Kent MacDonald. "The GMAC gives our student athletes the chance to compete in a private school conference with institutions of similar size, shared values, independent philosophy, scholarship levels and focus on a high quality academic experience. It is a great fit for us. We believe it opens new opportunities for our student athletes, as well as increasing our Institution's footprint and reach across the country. Northwood University sees this move as a unique opportunity that aligns well with our growth plans, and we appreciate the GMAC members welcoming us."