of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 2016–17 to 2019–20; as an NAIA Independent within the Association of Independent Institutions (AII) from 2005–06 to 2015–16; and in the defunct Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (EIAC) from 1983–84 to 2004–05. Allen competes in 11 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include basketball, cross country, football, track & field and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, track & field, volleyball, and wrestling. The university also fields a co-ed competitive cheerleading team. Move to NCAA Division II Beginning in the 2020–21 academic year, the Yellow Jackets will compete as a provisional member of Division II of the NCAA. They will compete alongside their next-door rival, the Benedict Tigers, in the SIAC. The Yellow Jackets will complete the reclassification process and be considered full members of Division II in 2023. Marching band Following the reinstatement of the football program in 2018, the marching band, known as the Band of Gold, was reinstated under the direction of former Marching 101 director Eddie Ellis. Notable alumni References External links Official website Official athletics website University and college buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in South Carolina Private universities and colleges in South Carolina Historically black universities and colleges in the United States Universities and colleges affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church Education in Columbia, South Carolina Educational institutions established in 1870 Universities and colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools African-American history of South Carolina Buildings and structures in Columbia, South Carolina National Register of Historic Places in Columbia, South Carolina Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in South Carolina 1870 establishments in South Carolina