Kentucky Wesleyan College will expand its athletics offerings by adding STUNT and men’s and women’s cross country as NCAA Division II-sponsored programs, along with archery, trap and skeet as club sports beginning in the 2027-28 academic year.
College officials said the additions are part of a broader effort to support enrollment growth, enhance campus life, and provide more opportunities for student-athletes.
“Kentucky Wesleyan College is in a period of growth, and this expansion reflects that momentum. Adding STUNT, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, and Archery/Trap/Skeet is a strategic step forward, not just for athletics, but for the institution as a whole,” Vittone said. “These new programs will bring talented student-athletes to campus who will enhance the vibrancy of our community. They create additional opportunities for leadership, competition, and engagement across campus. Just as importantly, they support our commitment to providing a well-rounded student experience that integrates academics, athletics, and personal development.”
President Dr. James Cousins said the move aligns with the college’s broader vision for growth.
“Kentucky Wesleyan is growing, and this expansion accommodates and makes room for that growth,” Cousins said. “Each of these programs aligns with our broader vision, which includes new graduate programs, a four-credit academic model, piloting a block schedule in fall 2027, and engaging in partnerships that will enhance the visibility and brand of Kentucky Wesleyan.”
Cousins added that the expansion comes at a promising time for the institution.
“I’m thrilled to be here at a time of such great promise and realized potential,” Cousins said. “I’m also grateful to work alongside our Athletic Director and his exceptional staff.”
Steve Divine, a member of the Board of Trustees and chair of the Admissions and Athletics Committee, said the new programs will create more opportunities for student-athletes.
“We are excited to be offering student-athletes more opportunities to compete at the collegiate level,” Divine said. “STUNT and Archery/Trap/Skeet are two of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and we are thrilled to once again be offering Cross Country. We firmly believe our athletic programs play a vital role in the overall educational value at Kentucky Wesleyan, and adding these sports will open more doors for our student-athletes.”
Officials said the expansion is also expected to benefit Owensboro by bringing new student-athletes and their families to the community, along with additional campus events.
“This expansion strengthens our connection to the Owensboro community and the surrounding region,” Vittone said. “These sports will attract new families, create additional campus events, and increase visibility for the college. We see this as an opportunity to deepen community engagement and continue building pride in The Wesleyan Way.”
Vittone said the decision is rooted in expanding access and opportunity for students.
“At its core, this decision is about opportunity and creating more pathways for students to pursue their passions at a high level while earning a Kentucky Wesleyan education,” Vittone said. “Each of these sports offers access points for new populations of student-athletes and reinforces our mission to serve students in meaningful and impactful ways.”
STUNT and men’s and women’s cross country will compete in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, where Kentucky Wesleyan has been a member since the league became an official Division II conference in 2012.
Conference Commissioner Tom Daeger said the additions will strengthen the league.
“We’re excited to see Kentucky Wesleyan enhance its athletics program with the addition of three new sports, including STUNT and Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, of which the G-MAC sponsors championship events,” Daeger said. “These sports not only expand participation opportunities for student-athletes but also strengthen the competitive depth and visibility of our conference. The Panthers STUNT team will bring sport sponsorship to eight programs for the 2027-28 academic year, and all league members will now support cross country. This announcement reflects Kentucky Wesleyan’s commitment to excellence and aligns with the conference’s broader vision for strategic growth and student-athlete success.”
Vittone said the college remains committed to contributing to the conference’s growth.
“We’re proud to continue growing within the Great Midwest Athletic Conference,” Vittone said. “We’re committed to being an active, forward-thinking member institution that contributes to the league’s continued success.”
College officials said the additions represent another step in enhancing the overall student experience.
“This is an exciting time for Kentucky Wesleyan,” Vittone said. “We’re not just adding sports; we’re doing our part in building momentum for the future of the college.”
