Shawnee State Bears

Shawnee State Bears
UniversityShawnee State University
AssociationNAIA
ConferenceRiver States
Athletic directorGerald Cadogan
LocationPortsmouth, Ohio
Varsity teams20 (9 men's, 10 women's, 1 co-ed)
Basketball arenaFrank and Janis Waller Gymnasium
Baseball stadiumBranch Rickey Park
Softball stadiumBoone Coleman Field
Soccer stadiumShawnee Turf
NicknameBears
ColorsMidnight Blue, Gray, and White
     
Websitewww.ssubears.com

The Shawnee State Bears are the athletic teams that represent Shawnee State University, located in Portsmouth, Ohio, in intercollegiate sports. They are a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the River States Conference (RSC). The Bears joined the RSC in 2023 after 13 years in the Mid-South Conference (MSC). The Bears previously competed in the defunct American Mideast Conference (AMC) from 1991–92 to 2009–10; and as an NAIA Independent from 1986–87 (when the school began its athletics program and joined the NAIA) to 1990–91.

The Shawnee State athletics program was established in 1986. The Bears have participated in 25 national championships and 17 conference championships in 7 of 11 sponsored sports.