Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is proud to announce plans to offer women’s flag football in the nearby future. It will first launch as a club sport beginning in the 2025–26 academic year, with plans to elevate the program to National Collegiate Athletic Association varsity status by 2026–27. The decision was approved during the MSSU Board of Governors meeting held on June 12 in the Board Room of the Billingsly Student Center.
With the announcement, MSSU becomes the first school in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association to add women’s flag football. The sport is one of the fastest growing in the nation at both the high school and collegiate levels.
“We are extremely excited to launch a women’s flag football program here at Missouri Southern. Sponsorship of the sport is expanding rapidly at all levels across the country, and this program will be a wonderful addition to our sport offerings,” said MSSU Athletic Director Rob Mallory. “NCAA membership will vote in January to include flag football as an Emerging Sport for Women, and this initial year as a club program will allow us to evaluate the impact of that vote and determine the best path forward to ensure we field the most competitive Division II women’s flag football program possible.”
In other action, the Board approved emeritus status for Dr. Chad Stebbins and Ms. Lorinda Hackett, recognizing their outstanding service as faculty and leaders. Both have made lasting contributions to the university community and positively influenced generations of students through their commitment to education and leadership.
To further support the student experience, the Board also approved the use of up to $1.8 million in one-time university reserve funds for a major renovation of the first floor of the Dianne Mayes Student Life Center. Following a tour of the facility, Board members acknowledged the need for repair and updates to this important social and study space, emphasizing its role in student life and campus engagement.
Missouri Southern remains committed to growth, student success, and the continual improvement of campus programs and facilities.
Founded in 1937, Missouri Southern State University has provided educational opportunities for Southwest Missouri and beyond. The university serves nearly 4,300 students in more than 140 academic programs and boasts outstanding NCAA Division II athletics programs. The university’s mission is to educate and graduate knowledgeable, responsible, successful global citizens. For more than 75 years, Missouri Southern has developed exceptional, state and nationally accredited programs that prepare their students for the competitive and changing 21st century society.
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