Beacon College Breaks Ground on Inclusive Intramural and Fitness Center for Neurodivergent Learners

LEESBURG, Fl. – Beacon College, the first accredited baccalaureate institution dedicated to educating neurodivergent students, and a New South Athletic Conference member, has broken ground on its new $11 million, 28,000-square-foot Intramural and Fitness Center. The premier facility is designed to enhance student wellness and create inclusive opportunities for recreation, athletics, and community events.

The new center will feature two university-regulation basketball courts, a one-tenth-mile running track, a fully equipped fitness center, multipurpose playing surfaces for basketball, volleyball, and floor hockey, and removable bleacher seating for up to 250 spectators. The facility will also include locker rooms, equipment storage, staff offices, and a climate-controlled auditorium-style event space capable of accommodating 1,000 people.

“The construction of the Intramural and Fitness Center is a testament to our dedication to the holistic development of our students and one that is critical to enhancing our students’ physical wellness and quality of life,” said Beacon president Dr. George Hagerty. “While fitness is important for all students, it is especially vital for neurodivergent learners, as exercise and participation in group activities foster self-confidence, focus, discipline, mental health, and social development. This center will be a cornerstone of our commitment to educating and empowering the whole student.”

Beacon College officials, community leaders, and supporters gathered at the Jack Jones Athletic Field, across the street from the new facility, to mark the groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 26.

The Intramural and Fitness Center will provide inclusive opportunities for both competitive and recreational activities, ensuring that Beacon students — many of whom thrive with structured, supportive environments — have a dedicated space to build lifelong wellness habits. More than 70% of Beacon College students participate regularly in fitness, intramural, recreation and competitive athletic programming.

Story and image courtesy Beacon College

NSAC Adds Flag Football with WCFFL Partnership

The New South Athletic Conference is partnering with the Women’s Collegiate Flag Football League (WCFFL) to add flag football as the conference’s ninth sport beginning the spring of 2026.

“Flag football is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.,” said NSAC commissioner Mike Davis. “The NFL is supporting its growth, and it will be featured as a discretionary sport at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Young women are gravitating to it rapidly, especially in the Southeast. Partnering with a respected organization like the WCFFL gives the NSAC an established platform and allows us to launch quickly by using their network and expertise.”

“I am enthusiastic about the WCFFL’s alliance with the New South Conference,” said WCFFL president Venisha Lee. “I believe this is a strategic move in the growth of our league. Our objective is to promote the growth of women’s college flag football within the New South Conference as the sport is thriving on all levels.”

Lee says she is eager to assist any university looking to field a team this upcoming season.

Gulfcoast Christian College Preps for First Season in NSAC

At its summer meeting, the New South Athletic Conference Board of Directors unanimously approved the membership application of Gulfcoast Christian College, a new institution opening this fall in Mobile, Alabama.

GCC provides instruction in vocational occupations with a framework of spiritual formation. Athletically, the Silver Lions will field men’s basketball in 2025-26. The school’s founder, Rev. Kieron Buford, is a native of Mobile.

“Gulfcoast Christian College is honored to have been accepted as a member of the New South Athletic Conference,” said Buford. “We are excited to be connected with such great visionary leadership and so many wonderful institutions of higher learning. We look forward to building great relationships, while also competing at a high level athletically. We want to think Commissioner Mike Davis, President Joel Williams, and the board of directors for this wonderful opportunity.”

“I’ve met with Rev. Buford on a number of occasions and had the privilege of visiting his lovely church in Virginia,” Davis said. “Rev. Buford is a man of God with a passion to see young people’s lives changed. Gulfcoast is an outgrowth of his calling, and the NSAC is honored to partner with them.”

NSAC Welcomes South Georgia Institute

At its Board of Directors meeting in Portland, Maine this week, the New South Athletic Conference voted to admit South Georgia Institute as a full probationary member for the 2025-26 school year.

“We are honored to be welcomed into the New South Athletic Conference,” said Dalice Payton, SGI’s Director of Athletics. “This move elevates our student-athletes’ opportunities to compete, grow and present South Georgia Institute on a larger scale. It reflects the hard work of our coaching staff and the dedication of our athletes.”

Dr. Patricia Burns, Chancellor and Academic Dean at SGI, emphasized the broader implications of the move: “Joining the NSAC is about more than athletics—it’s about opportunity. Our mission is to prepare students academically, spiritually, and athletically. This conference affiliation enhances our institutional vision and supports our continued pursuit of excellence on and off the field.”

“Our journey through the candidacy process with SGI was a pleasure,” said NSAC Commissioner Mike Davis. “President Joel Williams and I spent considerable time discussing our expectations and requirements with the SGI leadership team. In the end, we believed the Huskies would make a good partner athletically, culturally, academically, and geographically. We are excited to have them on board and watch them grow with us.”

SGI was formerly Omega Sports Academy but is now expanding into the college space through strategic academic partnerships while developing its own in-house curricula including programs in communication, business administration, divinity, accounting, and leadership. The school is based on the campus of former Norman College in Norman Park, Georgia. The Huskies will field conference teams in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, cross country, and track & field beginning in ’25-26. They also sponsor football, women’s volleyball, and more.

NSAC Enters Marketing Agreement with WildCard Entertainment

The New South Athletic Conference is expanding its reach and presence on social media via a new agreement with WildCard Entertainment, a digital media company in Nassau, The Bahamas, focused on providing live and pre-recorded video services, graphic design and photography for sporting and other events.

“I’m thrilled to announce this partnership with WildCard,” said NSAC commissioner Mike Davis. “We have wanted to expand the NSAC’s branding and footprint on social media. WildCard Entertainment will take us to that next level and on more platforms. Domonique is a coach and a fan, and that will lend itself nicely to understanding our mission together.”

“WildCard Entertainment is thrilled to embark on this exciting partnership with the New South Athletic Conference,” said WildCard president and founder Domonique Fernander. “We embrace the privilege of supporting the NSAC in expanding its social media presence and elevating its brand with enthusiasm and dedication. Together, we’re eager to craft impactful content and foster meaningful engagement that aligns with the conference’s vision and showcases its excellence.”

Southeast Christian Names Walker as AD

LEESBURG, Fla. – Southeast Christian College has named Dwayne Walker as the school’s first athletic director effective immediately.

Walker served as the Eagles’ men’s basketball coach this season and will remain in that capacity as well.

“I’m so excited about what God has done here at SECC in year one,” Walker said. “I’m looking forward to pouring into our student athletes spiritually as well as guiding and assisting coaching staff as we show and point our student athletes to Jesus through athletics.”

Walker was the acting AD this first year and has already hired a mens’ soccer coach for 2025-26 and is currently searching for a women’s basketball coach and men’s JV basketball coach.

Beacon College Welcomes Pat Burke as Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Director of Athletics 

LEESBURG, Fla. — Beacon College is thrilled to announce the appointment of Pat Burke, a distinguished former NBA player and community leader, as our new men’s head basketball coach and director of athletics, fitness, and recreation.

Burke brings extensive experience and a proven track record of success to the Leesburg school, the nation’s first accredited baccalaureate institution dedicated to educating students with learning and attention issues. His remarkable 12-year professional basketball career, which began with the Orlando Magic in 2002, saw him make history as the first Irish-born player in the National Basketball Association. His impressive career includes six championship titles across the NBA, FIBA leagues, and with Ireland’s senior men’s team.

“Pat brings a wealth of experience in education, mentorship, and athletics,” said Dana Manzo, vice president of student affairs. “Beyond his career in professional basketball, Pat has dedicated himself to mentoring and youth development. His passion for education, leadership, and community engagement makes him a fantastic addition to our team.”

Prior to joining Beacon, Burke founded HoopsLife, a youth development program focused on empowering children with leadership and life skills by emphasizing the impact of their choices. His commitment to mentorship aligns perfectly with Beacon’s mission to foster holistic student development.

Burke’s connection to Beacon College began a decade ago when he consulted with the college on the launch of a summer program for international students, culminating in a successful three-week program for Saudi students on Beacon’s campus in 2015.

“Pat’s prior contributions to our community and his proven ability to connect with and inspire young people are invaluable,” said Beacon President George Hagerty. “We are confident that his leadership will elevate our athletics program and provide our student-athletes with unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.”

Burke succeeds Sam Vincent, Beacon’s founding men’s basketball coach, who is leaving Beacon to pursue a position with the Basketball Africa League as reported by ESPN.  

Story and image courtesy Beacon College

New South Welcomes Millennia Atlantic University

The Board of Directors of the New South Athletic Conference has voted to accept Millennia Atlantic University of Doral, Florida as its newest member.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to join the New South Athletic Conference,” said Dr. Aristides Maza Duerto, President of Millennia Atlantic University. “This move aligns perfectly with our vision to provide our student-athletes with greater opportunities to compete at a high level, grow as leaders, and represent MAU on a broader stage.”

“Our student-athletes and coaching staff are beyond excited to be part of NSAC,” said Luis Gonzalez, Athletic Director at MAU. “This is a game-changing moment for our programs, and we look forward to making an immediate impact while upholding the values of sportsmanship, discipline, and academic success.”

“Conference realignment continues to reshape the college sports landscape, and the NSAC has been keenly following the developments,” said NSAC Commissioner Mike Davis. “As we have grown, we have become more selective in evaluating institutions. Millennia Atlantic brings many qualities which will enrich our league, including a full slate of athletic programs, a strategically appealing location, and outstanding leadership.”

The Macaws sponsor men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s volleyball, and more. MAU will begin league play in the fall of 2025.

NSAC Football Welcomes Clayton State, Gordon State

In preparing to launch football this fall, the New South Athletic Conference has voted to accept Clayton State University of Morrow, Georgia, and Gordon State College of Barnesville, Georgia as affiliate members. Both schools will compete as football-only members beginning in the fall of 2025.

“We are deeply honored to accept membership to the New South Athletic Conference, said Clayton State football coach Kevin Adkins, whose team played in the National Club Football Association (NCFA) championship in November. “This is an important step to growing Clayton State football throughout the Southeast region and on a national level. It is truly a privilege to be part of such a prestigious conference that is growing steadily. I am particularly looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with others who are passionate about giving Clayton State football a platform to compete at a high level while encouraging our student athletes to graduate. Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity. I am confident that NSAC will be a fruitful forum for advancing our student athletes and fostering new collaborations.”

“We are happy to be a part of this new and upcoming conference,” added Gordon State coach Omar Quisenberry. “This move will change the narrative towards Gordon State College football in an awesome way. We thank Commissioner Mike Davis for reaching out to us and extending the invitation to us to be a part of the NSAC. Now, LET’S PLAY SOME FOOTBALL!!!”

In 2024, the Highlanders finished second to the Clayton State Lakers in the NCFA South Atlantic Conference.

“Clayton State and Gordon State bring traditions of excellence and professionalism to the table,” said Davis. “They represent what the New South is seeking to uphold in college athletics: integrity, respect, sportsmanship, and honor. We’re excited to have the Lakers and Highlanders as part of the NSAC Family.”

CSU and GSU join six full-time NSAC members for the conference’s first season on the gridiron: The Apprentice School (Newport News, Virginia); Atlantis University (Miami, Florida); John Melvin Christian College (Pace, Florida); Lighthouse Christian College (Milton, Florida); South Carolina Central Christian College (Cayce, South Carolina); and Westgate Christian University (Houston, Texas).

New South Launching Football in 2025

After years of planning, negotiation, and collaboration, the New South Athletic Conference is pleased to announce that it will add football as its next sport beginning in the fall of 2025.

“It think football will bring a major focus to us,” said NSAC President Joel Williams, AD and head football coach at Atlantis University. “It think that people are going to catch on to the vision of what the New South is trying to do. Football is a great commodity for a school to have and makes enrollment more attractive.”

“It’s been a long time in coming because we wanted to do it right,” added commissioner Mike Davis. “Several of our current members already have football and wanted a home for their team. They will now have that as well as a competitive spot for their other sports.”

Current members with football programs include The Apprentice School, Atlantis, John Melvin University (Louisiana), Lighthouse Christian College, South Carolina Central Christian College, and Westgate Christian University. John Melvin Christian College (Florida) is adding football next year.

Talks continue with a number of other schools across the South who are considering joining as well. Watch for updates at newsouthconference.com/football.

Photo by Riley McCullough on Unsplash