Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Welcomes Hope Credit Union as Official League Sponsor 

Credit Union selected as the “Official Financial Institution of the GCAC

NEW ORLEANS – Today, Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) Commissioner Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes announced Hope Credit Union (HOPE) has signed on to become an official sponsor of the league. 

With branches in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, HOPE becomes The Official Financial Institution of the GCAC and will sponsor the league and its major conference championships over the next two years. 

“Having a financial institution like Hope Credit Union that is already embedded in states where we have league institutions made them the perfect sponsorship partner,” said Barnes. “They also align with our mission of working with companies who are invested in the communities that we serve. We are excited to see this partnership grow in the future.”

The nation’s largest Black- and Women-owned financial institution, HOPE places a priority on ensuring that everyone has the resources needed to climb the economic ladder and contribute to their community, regardless of their race, gender, or wealth. 

“The contributions made by HBCUs to America cannot be overstated,” said HOPE CEO Bill Bynum. “We are proud to partner with GCAC to build on this legacy, and ensure that its HBCUs, their students, staff, faculty, alumni and communities have the financial tools needed to realize their immense potential.” In addition to providing banking services to the conference office, HOPE will also work with GCAC member schools to improve conditions on and around their campuses.

About the GCAC

The GCAC is celebrating its 40th year as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The GCAC is one of only five conferences comprised of members representing Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States. The GCAC membership includes Dillard University (LA), Fisk University (TN), Oakwood University (AL), Philander Smith College (AR), Rust College (MS), Southern University at New Orleans (LA), Tougaloo College (MS), and Wiley College (TX).

About HOPE  

HOPE (Hope Enterprise Corporation, Hope Credit Union and Hope Policy Institute) provides financial services; aggregates resources; and engages in advocacy to mitigate the extent to which factors such as race, gender, birthplace and wealth limit one’s ability to prosper. HOPE has generated or leveraged more than $3.6 billion in financing that has benefitted over 2 million people in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Learn more at www.hopecu.org.