The area of athletics fully embraces the University's mission and enacts policies, procedures, and initiatives with both the letter and spirit of that purpose. The administration and staff of athletics espouse a student-centered philosophy which ranks academic achievement as the number one priority for its athletes. Toward this end, the Department of Athletics is committed to providing a comprehensive intercollegiate athletics program for men and women that promotes the academic, physical, social, psychological, and total development of the student-athlete. The Athletics Program is committed to working collaboratively with other competent, contributing graduates who are capable of making the transition from university life to the workplace and into today's multi-cultural society.
Furthermore, the Athletics Department is committed to providing public service activates to the community and research opportunities for its coaching staff. Embodied within this mission statement is the concept of an effective athletics program that values the success of the department's student-athletes in competition, academic and personal development, and maintenance of full compliance with the rules of the University, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The University participates in 10 sports for women, including basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, softball, soccer, tennis and volleyball, as well as eight sports for men, including baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, and tennis.