DAPHNE — As of March 1, Daphne’s college will be renamed to a university instead of an academy.

The United States Sports Academy’s Board of Trustees approved a name change to the United States Sports University starting this weekend.

“This change, marking the institution's continued growth and commitment to academic excellence, reflects the university’s ambition to further solidify its position as a leader in higher education,” a Wednesday release says. “Since its founding in 1972, USSU has been at the forefront of providing world-class education and training in the fields of sports exercise science, sports management, sports coaching, and leadership. This historic milestone signals the next chapter in the university’s legacy, preparing it to thrive and lead for the next 50 years and beyond.”

The decision came in the wake of expanded enrollment, programs and athletic teams at the Baldwin County college on U.S. 98. The campus also hosts the American Sport Art Museum and Archives which includes over 1,800 pieces to be considered the largest collection of sport art in North America.

The school recently added bachelor’s degree programs in sports management, sports coaching, exercise science, sports studies and business administration to go along with varsity teams in baseball and softball, men’s and women’s track and field and men’s and women’s soccer. Volleyball and men’s and women’s cross country are set for inaugural seasons in the fall of 2025. The college also offers master’s degree programs in the same undergraduate disciplines as well as a doctoral degree program in sports management.

“The shift to ‘University’ will also allow the institution to enhance its academic offerings, build stronger partnerships within the sports industry and other universities, and provide new opportunities for both students and alumni alike,” the statement says. “The university is also launching new program offerings, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to pair with its undergraduate business administration degree through USSU’s Cronan-Summitt School of Sport Business.”

Steve Condon, the school’s president, said that they earned the new name with the increased number of students.

“The Board of Trustees recognized our need to promote our excellent university status by adding that officially to our name and brand,” Condon said in the Wednesday release. “As we grow and advance our elite brand of sports education it is important for the public to know that we are a proud sports university recognized globally for the quality of our educational degrees.”

Although the name change is significant, Associate Vice President for Academics and Cronan-Summitt School of Sport Business Dean Brandon Spradley said the impending action is just as important.

“Becoming the United States Sports University signifies more than just a name change – it reflects our evolution, ambition, and commitment to become the global center for excellence in sports higher education,” Spradley said Wednesday. “This transition strengthens our academic identity and enhances our ability to develop future leaders in the sports industry.”

For more information about the United States Sports University, visit ussa.edu or call 1-800-223-2668.