LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Over the last two academic years, the Mid-South Conference has expanded its full membership from six institutions to its current number of 10.

In 2012-13, that number will grow once again as Bluefield College will become the 11th full-time member of the conference.

The private Christian college in Bluefield, Va., is a charter member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference and currently a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division II member.

Bluefield currently competes in 12 intercollegiate sports with football on the horizon. The school announced last June that football is coming back to the college after a nearly 70-year hiatus and will compete in the MSC and the NAIA in 2012.

Today, Bluefield leaders announced the milestone shift that will not only move the college's sports teams up on the national level to a conference with a history of excellence, but also provide a home for the school's new football program.

"Joining the Mid-South Conference provides our new football team an immediate schedule of opponents, which would be challenging to line up otherwise," said Bluefield President David Olive. "But, more importantly, it provides all of our sports teams the opportunity to continue the pursuit of excellence as we move into NAIA Division I competition. The Mid-South is a great conference and is known for its outstanding athletic programs and the reputation of its colleges and universities."

In August, Bluefield formally applied for admission into the MSC and a site visit from conference officials followed in February to evaluate Bluefield's athletic facilities and to further assess the school's merit as a candidate for the conference.

As a final step in the application process, Bluefield leaders offered a presentation to MSC member presidents at an annual business meeting in Frankfort, Ky., last week. The result of the nearly yearlong process was a unanimous approval by the MSC presidents for full membership.

"Bluefield College is going to be an excellent addition to the Mid-South Conference and a perfect compliment to our current membership -- both full members and associate members," MSC Commission Steve Baker said. "The mission-match is spot on and the institution's commitment to its athletics program through its strategic plan is going to be a big plus for our conference.

"Our presidents are very supportive of Dr. Olive and his vision for the school and the athletic department."

Bluefield fields varsity teams in baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, football, men's golf, softball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's tennis and volleyball. Bluefield enters the MSC with a pedigree that includes seven national tournament appearances in men's basketball, seven conference championships in men's golf, three national tournament appearances and a national championship in the NCCAA in baseball and men's soccer over the last 15 years.

"This is a great time for Bluefield College and our athletic programs," said BC Athletic Director Peter Dryer. "It not only provides a strong schedule for our football program, but will bring other nationally recognized sports programs to compete here in Bluefield. The Mid-South has a strong history of excellence in athletics, and we are looking forward to contributing to the quality of the conference."

Bluefield joins full members Campbellsville University, Georgetown College, Lindsey Wilson College, Pikeville College, Shawnee State University, St. Catharine College, University of Rio Grande, University of the Cumberlands, University of Virginia at Wise and West Virginia University Institute of Technology and associate members Belhaven University, Bethel University, Cumberland University, Faulkner University, Kentucky Christian University, Shorter University and Union College.

"We are grateful for the efforts of Dr. Olive, Peter Dryer and all associated with the BC athletic program to achieve this milestone (moving to the MSC) for the college," said Dr. Robert Shippey, vice president for academic affairs, on behalf of the faculty. "This as a day in which the entire campus community joins in celebrating, because when one component brings improvement to the college, we all benefit."