and fine arts facility will be underway as well as a new academic building. On May 14, 2016, Truett-McConnell College achieved university status to become Truett McConnell University. Athletics The Truett McConnell (TMU) athletic teams are called the Bears. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) since the 2013–14 academic year. The Bears previously competed in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC; formerly known as Georgia–Alabama–Carolina Conference (GACC) until after the 2003–04 school year) from 2010–11 to 2012–13; as well as an NAIA Independent within the Association of Independent Institutions (AII) during the 2009–10 school year (when the school joined the NAIA). TMU competes in 22 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field, volleyball and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, beach volleyball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field and volleyball; and life sports inc;ude competitive gaming, cycling and shooting sports. Nickname The initial nickname of TMU's athletic teams, "The Mountaineers," was changed to "Danes" in 1965, and is now the "Bears". Notable alumni References External links Official athletics website Universities and colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Educational institutions established in 1946 Buildings and structures in White County, Georgia 1946 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state) Private universities and colleges in Georgia (U.S. state)