St. Louis, Mo. – The American Midwest Conference (AMC) announced today that Iowa Wesleyan University (Mount Pleasant, Iowa) will rejoin the Conference for the 2023-24 academic year. With the departure of Lyon College following the current academic year, the AMC will maintain its membership at 11 members. Iowa Wesleyan was previously a member of the American Midwest Conference and its predecessor, the Show-Me Collegiate Conference, from 1993-95.

"Our Council of Presidents, Board of Athletics Administrators and Site Visit Team were highly impressed with all aspects of Iowa Wesleyan University, its senior leadership, athletics staff, student-athletes and facilities," AMC Commissioner Will Wolper said. "They are a perfect addition to the American Midwest Conference. From its sports sponsorship aligning with our current championship sports and sports we are focused on moving to championship status in the next several years to their focus on the NAIA Champions of Character® Initiative and the importance of the overall student-athlete experience, we are excited to add Iowa Wesleyan as a member of the AMC."

Iowa Wesleyan, an institution with over 700 undergraduate students, sponsors 18 intercollegiate athletic teams with over 500 student-athletes, including all 16 American Midwest Conference championship sports, plus football and women's wrestling. IW returned to the NAIA in 2021 after nearly a decade in NCAA Division III and is currently a member of the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC, formerly the Association of Independent Institutions).

"On behalf of the Council of Presidents (COP) and the American Midwest Conference, we welcome Iowa Wesleyan University to the AMC," Central Baptist College President Terry Kimbrow, chair of the AMC COP, said.  "President Christine Plunkett and Vice President Derek Zander have demonstrated a true understanding and commitment to the values of the NAIA and AMC.  Like the current members of the AMC, their top focus is on the overall success and experience of their student-athletes, not just on the field but in the classroom and the community."

Iowa Wesleyan student-athletes had a 3.3 cumulative grade point average during the 2021-22 academic year, with the Tigers' softball achieving the top cumulative grade point average in the NAIA (3.733) and the women's basketball team having the second-best cumulative GPA in the NAIA. One hundred and seventy student-athletes received Academic All-Conference recognition. Four Tiger teams earned NAIA Scholar Team Awards, and 41 student-athletes were Daktronics Scholar Athletes.

Earlier this month, both Tigers cross country teams finished in the top-5 at the CAC Championship. They will be represented by one women's runner and one men's runner at the NAIA National Championships in Florida this weekend. During 2021-22, the women's basketball team qualified for the NAIA Tournament, and the Tigers sent multiple individuals to National Championships in women's wrestling and women's indoor and outdoor track and field.

"We are delighted to be joining the American Midwest Conference effective next fall.  Since our return to the NAIA, Iowa Wesleyan's student-athletes have been demonstrating their drive and commitment both on and off the field," said IW President Chris Plunkett.  "The AMC will offer opportunities for a competitive athletic experience within a conference that prioritizes academic success and the ongoing development of character."

Iowa Wesleyan offers 44 majors, 16 minors, three master's degrees and multiple pre-professional programs. The student population represents 40 countries. Iowa Wesleyan is part of the Southeast Iowa Higher Education Alliance (SIHEA), which it founded along with Southeastern Community College.

"We are honored that the American Midwest Conference (AMC) Council of Presidents voted unanimously to add Iowa Wesleyan as a full member in the fall of 2023," Iowa Wesleyan Vice President for Advancement and Athletics Derek Zander said. "Through our conversations with the AMC, it was evident that the AMC values the importance of creating a positive student-athlete experience while supporting their students academically. We look forward to building off Iowa Wesleyan's athletic success while competing in a highly competitive conference."

The American Midwest Conference (AMC), a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), has 11 full members in Arkansas and Missouri. Formed in 1986 as the Show-Me Collegiate Conference, the AMC sponsors championships in 16 sports and emphasizes the NAIA Champions of Character® Initiative and its five core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.