KIAC announces River States Conference as New Name, Unveils Conference Logo For Immediate Release (March 4, 2016) at KIACSports.com

NEW ALBANY, Ind. — The Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced a new conference name and logo at a news conference held Friday, March 4 at University Southeast. The announcement came in the Hoosier Room and was streamed live to a world-wide audience on the KIAC’s Stretch Internet video streaming portal.

The oldest conference in the NAIA, the KIAC was established in 1916 and has a proud history over the last 100 years. On Friday, KIAC leadership ushered in a “Current of Change” by announcing the new name for the conference and un- veiling the new conference logo.

Effective July 1, 2016, the KIAC will change its name to the River States Conference. For the remainder of 2015-16 aca- demic and athletic calendar, the conference will continue to operate as the KIAC.

The introduction of the River States Conference and the associated logo is the culmination of a four-year process that began in 2012. Over the last four years, the conference has undergone several changes in membership. The current membership boasts 13 schools from five different states — Kentucky, Indiana, , and West .

And after a process that included input from presidents, athletic directors, coaches, sports information directors and stu- dent-athletes, the conference has put forward a new name that unifies member schools under the river that runs through them and reflects the geographical layout that spans five different states. With that goal in mind, the River States Confer- ence is born.

RIVER STATES CONFERENCE LOGO

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The Ohio River is a central figure and a key player in the development of the River States Conference name. The Ohio River flows through the center of the conference and is near many of the 13 member schools. It also passes through each of the five states featured in the membership and forms the southern border of Ohio and Indiana, the northern board of Kentucky and the western border of the .

The Ohio River has its origin in , Pa., just blocks from the campuses of Point Park (Pa.) University and Carlow (Pa.) University. It continues on all the way to the western border of the conference near Brescia (Ky.) University in Owens- boro, Ky., and beyond.

The word depicted most prominently in the River States Conference logo is the word ‘States.” Spanning five states from Ken- tucky to Pennsylvania gives the conference a broad reach. The “states” aspect is a central pillar to the conference and a source of pride. The River States Conference spans a large section of the country from the mid-atlantic to the mid-south to the mid-west.

The number five also plays a role in the River States Conference and is represented in the logo. The five core values of the NAIA’s Champions of Character Initiative are represented by the five stars at the top of the logo, each one depicting a differ- ent ideal of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship. At the bottom of the logo are five topographical areas that represent the five states and the Ohio River. The river represents the state of Ohio and also the river, and it passes through the other states.

The River States Conference will be represented by a color scheme of Kelly Green, Navy Blue, Royal Blue and White. White lettering against a Royal Blue background makes up the main part of the logo. The river is also Royal Blue. Kelly Green pro- vides the background, and Navy Blue provides the border.

The River States Conference logo was created by Rebel Pilgrim Creative Agency located in , Ohio. They are lo- cated near KIAC member Cincinnati Christian and also did the Eagles’ new logo last year. Mark Haas, VP of Marketing & Design, headed up the River States Conference logo process.

The following is an outline of the process that took place for the name change of the KIAC to the River States Confer- ence. KIAC commissioners, presidents, athletic directors, sports information directors, coaches and student-athletes were involved in the process, which began in 2012.

Spring 2012 – An Ad-Hoc Committee for Name Change is created by then-KIAC Commissioner Bill Melton to study all aspects of changing the conference name based upon feedback from the KIAC Board of Athletic Directors and Offi- cers. Among the individuals on this investigatory committee were Joe Glover (IUS AD & Board of AD President), Dan Swalga (Point Park AD), John Mills (KIAC Treasurer) and Mark Hester (former IU East AD and current men’s basket- ball coach).

Fall 2012 – A vote to change the conference name is taken, and the results end in a 3-3 tie.

Fall 2014 – The Board of Athletic Directors unanimously approves a motion (submitted by Joe Glover) to implement a conference name change by July 2017 with an original recommendation to implement the new name after celebrating the 100th year anniversary of the KIAC.

Winter 2014-15 -- KIAC campuses are asked to submit potential new conference names to the KIAC office. Submis- sions are taking from member campuses with input from student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, staff.

April 2015 – Based submissions from member institutions, the Board submits four potential conference names that had risen to the forefront (Century, Grand Rivers, River States and River Valley) to the KIAC Council of Presidents.

May 2015 – During its spring meeting, the KIAC Council of Presidents unanimously approves River States Conference as the new conference name. A motion is made by Point Park President Paul Hennigan, and it seconded by IUS Chancellor Ray Wallace, and River States Conference was officially adopted as the new conference name.

August 2015 – KIAC Commissioner Scott McClure creates a conference logo/branding task force to implement the creation of the River States Conference logo and development of the conference brand. The task force includes Joe Glover, Mark Perdue (Asbury AD/KIAC Vice-Chair), Kevin Taylor (Point Park & KIAC SID) and Beth Rogers (former CCU Athletic Director).

September 2015 – After reviewing vendor RFPs, the task force selects Cincinnati-based creative agency Rebel Pilgrim to design the River States Conference logo. Mark Haas (V.P. of Marketing and Design) is identified as project lead for Rebel Pilgrim. The Board, based on feedback from the KIAC COP, approves the new timeline for the conference name change and new logo for implementation in July 2016.

February 2016 – Based upon reviews and feedback from the KIAC Board and Council of Presidents, the logo task force selects the final version of the primary River States logo and begins planning for a March 4th logo release an- nouncement/event. The task force continues to work with Rebel Pilgrim on the development of a secondary logo; which will be released at a later date.

February 2016 — The date of March 4 is identified as the target date to unveil the new conference name and logo based upon the conference’s goal to “march forth” with a new brand.

July 1, 2016 -- The KIAC will officially become the River States Conference after 100 years as the KIAC (1916-2016).

The KIAC News Conference March 4, 2016 at IU Southeast was streamed live on the KIAC Stretch Internet por- tal and is available on-demand for free at http://portal.stretchinternet.com/KIAC

Media members are invited to partake in a media conference call to be held on March 4 at 11 a.m. KIAC officials will be on the call to answer questions from media outlets. To join the call, which is reserved for working media who will be asked to indentify themselves on the call, dial 847.944.7655 and use passcode 8198 935#

A press released will be sent to KIAC media contacts at the conclusion of the news conference. That same press release will be posted at KIACSports.com at that time. If you would like to be sent the release or added to the KIAC’s media distribution list, email [email protected]

River States Conference logo files will be available upon request to the KIAC sports information department. Email logo requests to KIAC SID Kevin Taylor at [email protected]

Follow the news of the River State Conference announcement by following the KIAC on social media on Twitter @KIACSports and on Facebook.com/KIACSports. The hashtag #ReSpeCt has been developed to represent the new conference name and show conference pride.

The KIAC News Conference March 4 had the following speakers:

Joe Glover Director of Athletics, Indiana University Southeast and Chair of the KIAC Board of Athletic Directors

Scott McClure KIAC Commissioner

Dr. Ray Wallace Chancellor, Indiana University Southeast and Chair of the KIAC Council of Presidents

Media are invited to use these quotes from KIAC officials taken from the KIAC News Conference March 4 on the new con- ference name and logo. Please attribute quotes to the following:

Director of Athletics, Indiana University Southeast and President of the KIAC Board of Athletic Directors

"As President of the Board of Athletic Directors I just want to commend everyone involved in this collaborative effort. This marks an historic and significant day in our conference history, and I know that the next 100 years will be just as bright as the first 100 with our league’s leadership and continued commitment to student-focused collegiate athletics."

"Today is a great day for our member schools and our league as a whole. Four years ago, a task force began this process and after many months of thoughtful discussion, I believe we have created a tremendous new brand for our conference as it continues to grow and evolve.”

“This new name and branding helps lead our conference into a bright future. We are in the midst of unparalleled growth and success, and this is just another step for our league."

KIAC Commissioner

“This is a wonderful day for the KIAC and the River States Conference as we prepare for our name change this summer and unveil our new logo. While we look forward to a bright future as the River States Conference, we are extremely mind- ful of our historic past, and the roots of the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference will forever be the foundation of our growth as a conference.”

“I’m grateful to former KIAC Commissioner Bill Melton and former KIAC Treasurer Pat Mrzowzski. Under their leadership, the conference created committees that started this process over four years ago. One of commissioner Melton’s final re- sponsibilities was to lead the conference in changing its name last spring with the support of our conference Presidents and Board of Athletic Directors.”

“The KIAC is truly experiencing a current of change today, and Bill and Pat steered us in the right direction. Bill Melton’s legacy is entwined with the KIAC’s legacy. There was a time a few years ago when the future existence of the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference was doubted due to declining membership. In the past four years, the KIAC has added five new schools. Our conference has grown geographically and gone from a conference on the brink of extinction five years ago to one of the largest conferences in the NAIA.”

“The Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference represents 13 colleges and universities in five states. The strength of our conference lies not only in our numbers but also in the quality of the administrations, coaches, staffs and student- athletes on our campuses. We are all linked by a commitment to the development and education of our talented students.”

“Our new brand and logo emphasizes the unifying element of the River and the significance of the number 5. The five stars at the top of our logo and the five geographic land and water elements at the bottom of the logo represent the five states which make up our conference. Five is also highlighted because it emphasizes the five core values of the NAIA’s Champi- ons of Character initiative. Those values are integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.”

Chancellor, Indiana University Southeast and Chair of the KIAC Council of Presidents

“I am honored that IU Southeast is hosting this historic announcement for the conference. This will be an important day as the conference moves towards the future and continues to build upon its successes.”

“It has been a long process, but I believe we have created a great, new look for the league. I want to thank my fellow presi- dents for all their support during the process. We all believe in the value collegiate athletics brings to the total student ex- perience, and we remain dedicated to making sure our league focuses on our students first.”

Founded in 1916, the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) has 13 member institutions and spon- sors championships in 15 sports. KIAC members are affiliated nationally with the National Association of Inter- collegiate Athletics (NAIA) and are represented in five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

KIAC members include Alice Lloyd (Ky.) College, Asbury (Ky.) University, Brescia (Ky.) University, Carlow (Pa.) University, Cincinnati Christian (Ohio) University, , Indiana University Kokomo, Indiana University Southeast, Midway (Ky.) University, Ohio Christian University, Point Park (Pa.) University, the Univer- sity of Rio Grande (Ohio) and West Virginia Institute of Technology (WVU Tech).

The KIAC sponsors champions in 15 sports: , Men's , Women's Basketball, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country, Men's , Women's Golf, Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, , Men's , Women's Tennis, Men's Track & Field, Women's Track & Field and .

School Location Alice Lloyd (Ky.) College (1) Pippa Passes, Ky. Asbury (Ky.) University (2) Wilmore, Ky. Brescia (Ky.) University (3) Owensboro, Ky. Carlow (Pa.) University (4) Pittsburgh, Pa. Cincinnati Christian University (5) Cincinnati, Ohio Indiana University East (6) Richmond, Ind. Indiana University Kokomo (7) Kokomo, Ind. Indiana University Southeast (8) New Albany, Ind. Midway (Ky.) University (9) Midway, Ky. Ohio Christian University (10) Circleville, Ohio Point Park (Pa.) University (11) Pittsburgh, Pa. (Ohio) (12) Rio Grande, Ohio WVU Tech (13) Montgomery, W.Va.

Scott McClure was hired July 1, 2015 as the first full-time commis- sioner in the history of the KIAC. McClure takes over for Bill Melton who will be retiring after serving the league as commissioner since 2007.

"I am extremely pleased to accept the position of KIAC Commissioner," said McClure. "Bill Melton has done an outstanding job of leading the conference during his tenure and I wish him all the best in his retire- ment. I look forward to working with the conference leadership in con- tinuing to develop the KIAC into a premier conference within the NAIA."

Scott McClure brings over 25 years of athletic administrative experience (with over twenty years in the NAIA) in a variety of roles as the new Commissioner of the KIAC.

McClure began his career at Siena Heights University in 1990 as their first full-time Sports Information Direc- tor. He spent eleven years at his alma mater and also served as an adjunct faculty member, assistant basket- ball coach and media coordinator for the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

In 2000, McClure accepted a position as a Manager of Championship Sports at the NAIA National Office, where he administered over fifty intercollegiate national championships during his twelve-years at the National Associa- tion of Intercollegiate Athletics. In addition to championships administration, McClure also served as a confer- ence liaison to three affiliated conferences and the Association of Independent Institutions. He was also the staff liaison to the NAC Rules & Ratings Committee and was instrumental in the incorporation of the NAIA Modified Ratings Percentage Index (NAIA-MRPI) for NAIA women's and men's soccer.

McClure most recently served as the Athletic Director at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois. Under his leadership, the Highlander Athletic Department earned the inaugural SLIAC Conference Community Service Award for the 2013-14 academic year.

Joe Glover, KIAC President and Athletic Director at IU Southeast also served as a member of the search com- mittee and believes that McClure will help the league continue to meet the diverse needs of its membership. "As an AD I am looking forward to partnering with Scott and our Board of Athletic Directors to provide the very best experiences for the student-athletes throughout our conference. Our league has experienced significant growth and change in recent years and with Scott's leadership I feel that we will continue our dedication to ensuring our conference continues to focus on progress and enhancement."

McClure received his Bachelor's degree from Siena Heights University in 1986 and was inducted into the SHU Athletic Hall of Fame as an administrator in 2008. He earned his Master's degree from the University of Toledo in 1988.

McClure enjoys officiating basketball games in his spare time; as well as spending time with his family. He has been active as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer's Association. Scott is married to his wife, Michelle. They have two grown children; Tyler (29) and Kalli (24).