All of the schools subsequently joined the Southland Conference.

Dave Waples was the only commissioner, with the conference office located in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Although the Southland eventually took in all of the former Gulf Star schools, only four (Northwestern State, Sam Houston State, Stephen F. Austin, and Southwest Texas State) joined the Southland immediately upon the Gulf Star's demise.

The other two Gulf Star members, Nicholls State and Southeastern Louisiana, initially became independents.

Nicholls State joined the SLC for the 1991–92 school year.