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Vaughn College Joins NACIA

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, located in Flushing, New York, has made headlines recently by being accepted as a full member of the North American Conference for Intercollegiate Athletics (NACIA), effective for the 2026-27 academic year. This decision was reached unanimously by the NACIA Presidents Council during a recent meeting chaired by David Cohen.

In the gaming and competitive spirit of collegiate athletics, President Cohen expressed excitement about the addition of Vaughn College, emphasizing how their commitment to excellence in academics and athletics aligns well with NACIA's mission. He remarked, "The addition of Vaughn College demonstrates the tremendous progress our conference has made in just two years. The future of NACIA is incredibly bright, and we are eager to see how this will benefit our student-athletes."

The NACIA operates under the umbrella of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) and encompasses 12 member institutions across New York, New Jersey, and Ohio. As a national governing body, the USCAA provides smaller colleges like Vaughn the chance to compete against other institutions for national championships and earn recognition for their student-athletes. This enhances the competitive landscape for programs that are often challenged to find matches at their own level.

Jihad Cesar, the director of athletics and recreation at Vaughn College, echoed similar sentiments about the opportunities this new membership would provide: "The move to the NACIA grants our student-athletes an invaluable opportunity to compete on a national level. It also allows for engagement with fellow colleges of similar size, fostering a robust competitive environment for our teams as we advance our athletics program. I am thrilled about the future of our student-athletes and the benefits this partnership will yield."

Founded in 1932, Vaughn College is a private, nonprofit institution that serves over 1,500 students, offering bachelor’s and associate degree programs in engineering, technology, management, and aviation. The college is especially recognized for providing tailored educational experiences, supported by a student-faculty ratio of 16 to 1. Their commitment to student success is evident through remarkable employment stats, with 97% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within a year post-graduation, 77% of whom are employed within their fields of study.

Vaughn College takes pride in being a Hispanic-Serving Institution and has received accolades for its focus on upward mobility, rated first nationwide by The Equality of Opportunity Project reported in The New York Times. Their commitment to social responsibility and academic excellence is intertwined with their mission and student outreach.

As Vaughn College gears up to join the NACIA, it not only opens new doors for its student-athletes but also sets the stage for a bright future, positioning itself as an emerging leader in collegiate athletics within the broader academic community. The anticipation from both the college and its supporters is palpable as they look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead in this new chapter.

For more insights about Vaughn College and its journey, please visit the official site at http://www.vaughn.edu.