Tennessee Tech celebrates official entry into the Southern Conference
Tennessee Tech University welcomed a new chapter of Golden Eagle athletics on Wednesday as alumni, fans, community leaders, student-athletes and media guests packed the Hooper Eblen Center lobby to celebrate Tech's first day as a member of the prestigious Southern Conference.
The July 1 gathering marked the official completion of Tech's transition into the SoCon, one of the nation's oldest and most respected NCAA Division I athletic conferences. Guests enjoyed a reception featuring food, giveaways and video messages from Golden Eagle coaches before hearing remarks from university and conference leaders celebrating the occasion.
"The Southern Conference has a storied history, but what has impressed me most over the past year is getting to know the presidents and chancellors in the league," said Tech President Phil Oldham. "They believe in excellence ... academically, athletically, in terms of building student success and futures for students. That's what they believe in. We have shared values that make this a solid foundation to build on."
The Southern Conference traces its history back 105 years and has a longstanding tradition of athletic success and academic excellence, with its championships consistently producing participants for NCAA Division I Championships.
"Today is truly a historic day, not only for Tennessee Tech but also for the Southern Conference," said Geoff Cabe, the conference's senior associate commissioner. "The Southern Conference has stood for excellence not only in athletics but in academics, leadership, integrity and developing young people who are prepared to make a difference long after the final whistle. Our member institutions are among the finest in the country, united by a commitment to provide an outstanding educational experience while competing at the highest level."
Karen Lykins, Tech's vice president for enrollment and communication, welcomed attendees by calling the move "the golden era of athletics" for the university while signaling the university's plans to ignite new in-state rivalries.
"Our new conference fits our style and our standard," she said. "But fair warning: Today rivalries return. ETSU and Chattanooga, we remember you ... To our other new conference opponents, we look forward to playing against the quality of your competition.”
Director of Athletics Casey Fox thanked SoCon leadership for extending the invitation to Tech while paying tribute to the university’s more than 75 years in the Ohio Valley Conference.
"The relationships, memories and successes we experienced in the OVC will always be
an important part of Tennessee Tech athletics," Fox said. "Today, however, marks an
exciting new chapter. After a year of anticipation, we are officially members of the
Southern Conference, and we look forward to the opportunities that are in front of
us."
Tuesday's celebration comes as excitement continues to build around Tennessee Tech athletics, including the upcoming opening of the newly renovated west side of Tucker Stadium. The upgraded facility will welcome fans for the Golden Eagles' 2026 home opener against Monmouth University on Aug. 29.
The conference transition also comes on the heels of Tech’s marquee hire of Head Men’s Basketball Coach Tobin Anderson and the 35th consecutive semester in which Tech student-athletes have posted a composite GPA above 3.0.
Learn more about Tennessee Tech Athletics at www.ttusports.com. Purchase season tickets for the new Tucker Stadium at www.ttusportstickets.com.