USI Athletics announces historic $1 million jersey partnership with TCG
The University of Southern Indiana Athletics Department has announced a landmark six year, $1 million partnership with Mt. Vernon, Indiana-based TCG, making the company the exclusive jersey partner for all 19 NCAA Division I Screaming Eagles athletic programs. The announcement was made during a press event Wednesday, August 12, at Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles.
The partnership, which takes effect under new NCAA legislation that allows commercial logos and patches on team uniforms, positions USI as a leader in implementing the new revenue stream opportunity for support of student-athletes. USI is the first Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) member to establish a comprehensive agreement spanning all varsity sports.
"This partnership represents an innovative way to support our student-athletes while aligning with a company that has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to the University of Southern Indiana and our region," said Steven J. Bridges, USI President.
The NCAA Division I Council-approved legislation permitting institutions to display corporate logos and sponsorship patches on uniforms, apparel and equipment became effective August 1.
"When the NCAA announced that institutions would be allowed to recognize sponsors on uniforms, we knew we wanted to partner with someone that shared our mission and values," said Jon Mark Hall, Vice President and Director of Athletics. "We have found that partner in TCG. This partnership signifies an investment in our student-athletes, coaches and staff as we continue to grow as a Division I athletic department. We will proudly wear the TCG logo on all of our jerseys."
TCG and owner Barry Cox have long maintained a strong relationship with USI through support of students, academics and athletics. Investments have included establishing the The Cox Group Scholarship Endowment to benefit students in USI's Supply Chain Management Certificate Program, support for enhancements at Liberty Arena and contributions to academic facilities that advance student learning and workforce development.
The partnership also reflects the strong connection between the organizations. TCG currently employs 26 USI alumni at its Mt. Vernon, Indiana, facility, and company owner Barry Cox is serving on the USI Board of Trustees.
“TCG is proud to partner with the University of Southern Indiana—an institution that strengthens our community and develops exceptional students and student-athletes,” said John Rohlman, Vice President of Global Business Development. “Our commitment to Southern Indiana runs deep, and we are honored to support the people, programs and future leaders who make this region thrive.”
This agreement reflects the strong, ongoing ties between USI and the regional business community, creating new opportunities to support students and student-athletes while advancing the University's mission.
About the University of Southern Indiana
Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls nearly 9,400 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions, Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education and the School of Graduate Studies. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. A competitive member of NCAA Division I and the Ohio Valley Conference, USI offers 19 varsity intercollegiate men's and women's sports. USI is online at www.usi.edu.
About TCG
TCG is a family-owned and women-owned logistics company headquartered in Mount Vernon, Indiana. Founded in 1986, TCG has grown from a warehousing business into a full-service logistics organization with approximately 4,000 employees across nearly 50 locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. TCG provides turnkey supply chain solutions including warehousing, asset-based transportation, freight brokerage, dedicated fleets, fulfillment, value-added services, and specialty operations. Learn more at tcgenterprise.com.