ESPANOLA, New Mexico. – The Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) Athletics program has been awarded membership in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), by the NAIA Council of Presidents at their annual convention. "Northern New Mexico shares a dual commitment to academic and athletic excellence defined by the NAIA's strategic plan. These institutions are committed to high standards and to the principle that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the total education process," said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. "The NAIA looks forward to working with these fine institutions to advance character-driven intercollegiate athletics."

A year ago, NNMC formed committees from its staff and local community to explore the possibility of developing a collegiate athletics program. The NNMC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams, the first in NNMC history, embarked on their inaugural season during the 2008-2009 academic year. This past March, NAIA officials made a site visit to the NNMC Campus, inspecting the athletic and academic facilities to determine if NNMC met the NAIA standards for membership.

In awarding membership, the NAIA cited the NNMC Athletic Program as designed to produce true winners with a mission is to provide student-athletes with an environment that promotes academic achievement, teamwork and sportsmanship. Under the direction of NNMC Athletic Director Enzley Mitchell IV, the Eagles will participate in Men’s Basketball and Women’s Basketball and in the near future sponsor Men’s Cross Country, Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Golf and Women’s Golf. Northern will compete under the NAIA banner beginning in fall of 2009, and will be eligible for postseason play beginning in fall of 2010. “Joining the NAIA gives Northern the best opportunity to be part of an organization that will allow us to balance academics and athletics while competing against institutions with similar philosophies and missions,” said Coach Mitchell. “Athletics will be an important part of our growth and the future and we are excited to take this step as we build a competitive program.”

NAIA headquarters are located in Kansas City, Mo. and is the governing body for athletic programs at 291 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The NAIA’s history can be traced back to 1937. It was the first intercollegiate organization to include black colleges and women in national championships.