About Us
ABOUT THE HEART
The Heart of America Athletic Conference—commonly known as The Heart—is one of the most respected and innovative conferences in small college athletics. Founded in 1971, The Heart is a proud member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and is home to 15 full member institutions across the Midwest, representing a dynamic mix of public and private universities united by a commitment to academic excellence, competitive athletics, and character-driven development.
The Heart sponsors 29 championship sports, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive conferences in the NAIA. Through robust governance, elite championship experiences, and progressive partnerships, The Heart is redefining what it means to be “big-time where we are.”
Our Mission
To support member institutions by creating championship-level experiences, cultivating character-focused development, and elevating the visibility of small college athletics through innovative leadership and meaningful collaboration.
Our Vision
To be the premier small college athletic conference in the country by:
- Delivering best-in-class championships
- Empowering student-athletes and leaders
- Investing in media, branding, and partnerships
- Prioritizing integrity, service, and progress
Fast Facts
Founded: 1971
Member Institutions: 15 full members, several affiliate members
Championship Sports: 29
Streaming Platform: The Urban Edge Network
Tagline: The Right Way to Play
Commissioner: Nik Rule
Conference History
Founded in 1971, the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) marked its 50th year during the 2020-21 season.
Three schools have been members of the conference since its inception - Baker University, Graceland University and Missouri Valley College.
In 1971, College of Emporia (Kan.), Ottawa (Kan.) University, Tarkio (Mo.) College and William Jewell College were members, but they have since withdrawn from the conference. College of Emporia closed in 1974. Ottawa joined the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) in 1982, Tarkio closed in the spring of 1991 and William Jewell left at the conclusion of the 2010-11. Central Methodist University, also an original member in 1971, withdrew from the conference in 1986, but was reinstated as a member in 1991.
Culver-Stockton College and MidAmerica Nazarene University became members in 1980. Evangel University joined in 1987 while Benedictine joined in 1991 when Central Methodist was reinstated. Lindenwood University began competing in the conference in 1996 but concluded their affiliation at the conclusion of the 2010-11 school year. Avila University began competing in all sports but football during the 2000-01 season and fielded its first football team ever in 2001. Peru State College joined the storied conference as they began full competition during the 2011-12 academic year.
The conference has continued to expand with the total number of teams growing to 15. The 2015-16 season saw Grand View University and William Penn begin full membership in the Heart, while Clarke University and Mount Mercy University joined the competition for the 2016-17 seasons. The most recent additions to the conference was Park University, who effectively became a member in the 2020-21 season, bringing the conference to 13 institutions. Then in 2025, Missouri Baptist University and William Woods University joined the Heart, bringing the conference total to 15 institutions.
From 2014-2024, Lori Thomas served as conference commissioner. She was the first female commissioner in the history of the NAIA. She suceeded longtime Commissioner Larry Lady.
The commissioner of the conference is Nik Rule, who was named commissioner of February 1, 2024.
Present Members (info updated heading into 2025-26 season)
School - Location - Membership - Years
Baker University - Baldwin City, Kansas - 1971-current
Benedictine College - Atchison, Kansas - 1991-current
Central Methodist University - Fayette, Missouri - 1971-86, 91-current
Clarke University - Dubuque, Iowa - 2016-current
Culver-Stockton College - Canton, Missouri - 1980- current
Graceland University - Lamoni, Iowa - 1971-current
Grand View University - Des Moines, Iowa - 2015-current
MidAmerica Nazarene University - Olathe, Kansas - 1980-current
Missouri Baptist University - St. Louis, Missouri - 2025-current
Missouri Valley College - Marshall, Missouri - 1971-current
Mount Mercy University - Cedar Rapids, Iowa - 2016-current
Park University - Parkville, Missouri - 2020-current
Peru State College - Peru, Nebraska - 2011-current
William Penn University - Oskaloosa, Iowa - 2015-current
William Woods University - Fulton, Missouri - 2025-current