The Southland Conference is a collegiate athletic conference in the United States, primarily composed of universities in the southern region. Founded in 1963, it is a member of the NCAA's Division I, which is the highest level of intercollegiate athletics. The conference sponsors various sports, including football, basketball, and baseball, and aims to promote athletic competition and academic excellence among its member institutions. The conference includes several universities, such as Stephen F. Austin University, Sam Houston State University, and Nicholls State University. These schools compete against each other in various sports, fostering rivalries and community support. The Southland Conference also emphasizes the importance of student-athlete welfare and academic achievement.