Carmel, IN — The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference announced that Grace Schott will become the Interim Commissioner and outgoing Commissioner Jay Jones will serve in a six-month Senior Advisor role to the conference, ensuring a smooth transition and leadership continuity.
Having accepted a Professor of Practice position at the University of Indianapolis, Jones departs the full-time HCAC Commissioner position after seven successful years with the conference. In addition to his faculty role at UIndy, Jones will be serving as a Senior Associate with the 3 Fold Group, a consulting firm focused on work in the small college athletics space.
Reflecting on the decision to step into a full-time faculty role, Jones noted, “As a longtime Adjunct Professor, the classroom has always been a meaningful part of my career, and I’ve long believed that service as a full-time faculty member would hopefully be a part of my life’s journey. That opportunity came a little sooner than expected but was impossible to resist. Regardless, this transition is bittersweet because of the incredible people who make the HCAC what it is. My deep appreciation and care for the leaders and friends throughout the conference will never fade. I also know the HCAC is in outstanding hands with Grace serving as Interim Commissioner. She is one of the very best in our business.”
Grace Schott enters the role of Interim Commissioner exceptionally well prepared to provide confident leadership for the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Since joining the HCAC in 2023, Schott has steadily expanded her influence across virtually every dimension of conference operations, from enhancing the student-athlete experience and leading SAAC and Special Olympics initiatives to strengthening championship administration, communications, awards programs, and service to the membership. Her recent promotion to Associate Commissioner reflected not only the breadth of her responsibilities, but also the trust she has earned through her student-first approach, operational excellence, and commitment to the conference’s institutions and student-athletes. Following the transitional period, the HCAC Council of Presidents will set long-term plans for conference leadership and operations.
About the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference
The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, proudly known as the “Heart of Division III,” is comprised of 10 private universities across Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Through competition in 20 sponsored sports, the HCAC is committed to providing an exceptional student-athlete experience grounded in athletic excellence, academic achievement, sportsmanship, and community. HCAC member institutions share a dedication to developing well-rounded students who succeed in competition, in the classroom, and beyond.