The OVC has a notable history in racial desegregation, with Morehead State signing the conference’s first Black athlete in 1958, leading the way for other member institutions. From 1986 to 2018, it was unique among NCAA Division I conferences for including Tennessee State University, a historically Black university, among its otherwise predominantly white institutions.

This diverse membership reflects the OVC’s commitment to inclusivity in collegiate athletics. The conference continues to provide a competitive platform for its member schools across various sports, contributing to the rich landscape of college athletics in its region.

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