The Heart of America Athletic Conference Council of Presidents unanimously approved St. Ambrose University for full membership on Friday, February 13. St. Ambrose will officially join the conference beginning with the 2026–27 academic year. The conference made its announcement public Monday evening.
Commissioner Nik Rule said the addition of St. Ambrose reflects The Heart’s continued commitment to intentional growth, institutional alignment, and long-term competitive stability within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
“Joining the Heart of America Athletic Conference marks an exciting new chapter for St. Ambrose University,” said Dr. Amy Novak, President of St. Ambrose University. “We are proud to align with institutions that share our commitment to competitive excellence, academic integrity, and the formation of student-athletes who lead with courage, character, and heart. Grounded in our Catholic mission, we believe athletics is not only about competition, but about cultivating virtue, community, and a deeper sense of purpose. This move strengthens our future while honoring the faith-inspired spirit and mission that define the Fighting Bees!”
Located in Davenport, Iowa, St. Ambrose University was founded in 1882 and enrolls 2,600 students. Recognized as a premier institution in the NAIA and among small private universities nationwide, St. Ambrose pairs strong academic tradition with a broad-based athletics program built on championship expectations and holistic student development.
“St. Ambrose University is not simply joining our conference — they are strengthening the future of The Heart,” said Commissioner Nik Rule. “This decision reflects our commitment to building a conference defined by alignment, ambition, and competitive excellence. St. Ambrose brings institutional strength, high expectations, and a clear vision for growth. Together, our members' institutions are not just growing membership — we are elevating the platform for every student-athlete in The Heart. This is about momentum. This is about building something uncommon in small college athletics.”
St. Ambrose currently competes as an affiliate member in The Heart in football, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, men’s wrestling, and esports. Upon joining as a full member in 2026–27, the Fighting Bees will participate in the following conference-sponsored sports:
Baseball, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Bowling, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Football, Men’s and Women’s Golf, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Indoor & Outdoor Track and Field, Competitive Cheer, Competitive Dance, Esports, Men’s and Women’s Volleyball, and Men’s and Women’s Wrestling.
With the addition of St. Ambrose University beginning in 2026–27, The Heart will include 16 full member institutions: Baker University (Kan.), Benedictine College (Kan.), Clarke University (Iowa), Culver-Stockton College (Mo.), Central Methodist University (Mo.), Graceland University (Iowa), Grand View University (Iowa), MidAmerica Nazarene University (Kan.), Missouri Baptist University (Mo.), Missouri Valley College (Mo.), Mount Mercy University (Iowa), Park University (Mo.), Peru State College (Neb.), William Penn University (Iowa), William Woods University (Mo.), and St. Ambrose University (Iowa) — along with 13 affiliate members that compete in select conference-sponsored sports.
