PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The United States Collegiate Athletic Association announced on Wednesday that two NSAC member schools, Lighthouse Christian College and URBE University, have been accepted as exploratory members for the 2026-27 academic year.

Lighthouse Christian College

Lighthouse Christian College, located in the Pensacola, Florida area, is a faith-based institution committed to providing students with opportunities for academic, athletic, and personal growth in a Christ-centered environment. The Makos athletic program has experienced rapid growth since its launch, creating competitive opportunities for student-athletes while emphasizing character development, leadership, and service. Sponsoring sports including football, baseball, basketball, and additional emerging programs, Lighthouse College utilizes athletics as a vehicle to foster discipline, teamwork, and community engagement. Through its commitment to student success and a mission-driven approach to intercollegiate athletics, Lighthouse Christian College continues to build a culture where student-athletes can thrive in the classroom, in competition, and in their faith.

Athletic Director Ricky Broxson stated, “We are honored and excited to become a member of the USCAA family. This partnership represents a tremendous opportunity for Lighthouse Christian College and will provide significant benefits for our student-athletes, coaches, and institution as a whole. We believe that competing in the USCAA will enhance the collegiate experience for our athletes through increased competition, national exposure, and championship opportunities, while also supporting our mission of developing leaders of character, faith, and excellence both on and off the field of play. We look forward to building meaningful relationships and contributing to the continued growth and success of the USCAA.”

USCAA CEO BJ Bertges followed up to say, “Having Lighthouse Christian College enter the USCAA at the exploratory level allows us to provide them guidance throughout the academic year and ensure they have all the right mechanisms in place to become a full member in the future.

URBE University

“Joining the United States Collegiate Athletic Association marks a historic milestone for URBE University Athletics,” said Dr. Raymond Lopez, Athletic Director at URBE. “This membership provides our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete on a national stage while reinforcing our commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement. For our coaches, it opens new avenues for growth and collaboration, and for our campus community, it represents a source of pride and a significant step forward in building a culture of excellence both in the classroom and in competition.”

URBE University, located in Miami, Florida, is a growing institution committed to preparing students for success through innovative academic programs and a student-centered educational experience. The Tigers athletic program reflects the university’s dedication to developing leadership, discipline, teamwork, and personal growth through intercollegiate competition.

Recently launching varsity athletics, URBE has established programs in men’s basketball and cross country, with plans for continued growth as the department expands opportunities for student engagement and campus involvement. Serving a diverse student population, including many international and non-traditional students, URBE University uses athletics as a catalyst for building community, fostering school pride, and enhancing the overall student experience. Through its commitment to academic excellence and competitive opportunity, the Tigers are building a strong foundation for future success both in the classroom and in competition.

“I am excited to welcome URBE University into the USCAA exploratory membership process,” said Bertges. “As a growing institution with a newly established athletics program, URBE represents the kind of forward-thinking campus that benefits from the USCAA model. We look forward to working with their leadership as they continue to build opportunities for student-athletes in men’s basketball and cross country while fostering engagement, school pride, and a strong foundation for long-term success”.

LCC and URBE join six other NSAC schools as USCAA members: The Apprentice School, Atlantis University, Beacon College, Denmark Technical College, Mid-Atlantic Christian University, and Virginia State University.

Story courtesy USCAA