UM-Flint launches athletics program with $5M grant from Mott Foundation

Students at the University of Michigan-Flint will soon experience new possibilities for collegiate competition, enhanced wellness and a more vibrant campus, thanks to a $5 million grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to launch an intercollegiate athletics program and support renovations to the university's Recreation Center. 

The funding will provide initial capital and operational support for UM-Flint's entry into intercollegiate athletics. It also marks the beginning of a broader fundraising initiative to secure additional philanthropic support for the program, facility improvements and its long-term success.

"This extraordinary investment from the Mott Foundation will help transform the student experience at UM-Flint," said Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander. "Intercollegiate athletics will create new opportunities for student-athletes, strengthen students' sense of belonging and pride, and bring our campus and community together. By helping us reimagine the Recreation Center and establish a strong foundation for athletics, this gift will also build momentum as we seek additional partners who share our vision for a thriving university and a thriving Flint."

UM-Flint and the city of Flint share a close and enduring connection, with each strengthening the other's success. The initiative is intended to deepen that relationship by attracting students and visitors, offering new avenues for community engagement and generating additional activity in the downtown region.

The commitment comes as the Mott Foundation celebrates its 100th anniversary and continues a long history of investment in UM-Flint and the Flint community. That support includes a $6 million grant to the university in 1978 for the construction of a "physical education building," now known as the Rec Center.  

"The University of Michigan-Flint is the only four-year public university in the state without intercollegiate athletics," said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation. "It's crucial to offer well-rounded educational opportunities here in Flint and Genesee County to bolster student success and community strength. UM-Flint is an important anchor institution in Flint, and we hope continued growth will add to the vibrancy of the city."

UM-Flint is seeking to join the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and compete in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC), mirroring the University of Michigan-Dearborn's athletics affiliations. UM-Flint's initial plans call for seven championship sports with a targeted launch of fall 2028. Men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball will use the renovated Rec Center as their home venue. Men's and women's cross country and men's and women's golf will compete at separate facilities and locations. UM-Flint's men's hockey team will continue to compete at the American College Hockey Association D1 level, with home games played at the Crystal Fieldhouse Ice Arena in Burton. 

Creating a collegiate-level venue

A significant portion of the project will focus on renovating the Rec Center to meet the demands of collegiate competition while improving the facility for all students, members and guests.

Planned improvements include:

• A competition-grade hardwood flooring system meeting collegiate standards.
• Bleacher seating for approximately 800 spectators.
• Modern scoreboards and an integrated sound system.
• A new concessions area for games and special events.
• Redesigned entrance to improve game-day access, circulation and security. 
• Renovated locker rooms providing appropriate spaces for student-athletes and Rec Center members.
• Upgrades to aging mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
• Additional interior renovations and finishes supporting athletics, recreation and community events.

The improvements would benefit not only varsity athletics but also UM-Flint's existing intramural and club sports, student recreation and wellness programs, Rec Center members, and campus and community events. The proposed $34 million renovation is pending approval by the University of Michigan Board of Regents. If approved, the project is expected to take 18 months to complete.

Advancing student and community success

Intercollegiate athletics will add a new dimension to the UM-Flint experience by creating opportunities for leadership, teamwork, discipline and personal development. The program is expected to support student recruitment and retention, increase campus housing occupancy, and encourage more evening and weekend activity on campus and in downtown Flint.

Athletic competitions will also foster alumni engagement, community partnerships and regional visitors, contributing to Flint's identity as a university community and supporting the city's continued revitalization.

UM-Flint has completed several initial planning steps, including:

• Participating in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' Exploration Pathway Program.
• Engaging with the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference regarding potential membership.
• Completing a comprehensive athletic facilities feasibility study with Integrated Design Solutions.
• Developing an annualized operating model for an initial eight-sport program, informed by NAIA representatives, University of Michigan-Dearborn Athletics and benchmarks from conference institutions. 

Final decisions regarding sports, conference affiliation, competition schedules, project scope and implementation timing remain subject to athletic association and university approvals.

Building philanthropic momentum

The Mott Foundation's grant provides foundational support for the initiative while positioning UM-Flint to seek additional investment in Rec Center renovations, athletics operations and future program development.

The university will seek support from alumni, businesses, foundations and community partners interested in expanding educational opportunity, enriching student life and strengthening the connection between UM-Flint and the broader Flint community.

"This is an important beginning," Alexander said. "The Mott Foundation's generosity gives us the momentum to invite alumni, friends and community partners to help build a program that reflects UM-Flint's ambitions and delivers lasting benefits for our students, our university and our city."

Additional information about fundraising, athletic teams, facilities, leadership and anticipated competition schedules will be announced as it becomes available.