Conference Shuffle

[Kuiper]

I figured there are so many of these nowadays that I might as well start a separate thread.

Saint Elizabeth moving from United East to Atlantic East starting in 2025-2026

On Thursday morning, the Chair of the Atlantic East's Presidents' Council and Centenary University President, Dr. Dale Caldwell,  announced the addition of Saint Elizabeth University as a full-time member of the conference. Saint Elizabeth University will move to the Atlantic East in the 2025-2026 year from the United East Conference.

President Caldwell stated, "Saint Elizabeth University is an outstanding institution that embodies the academic excellence, athletic spirit, and core values we celebrate in the Atlantic East Conference. Their addition not only enhances our competitiveness but also strengthens our shared commitment to student development, regional collaboration, and mission-driven leadership. We are honored to welcome them into our family of institutions."

Founded in 1899 as the College of Saint Elizabeth it transitioned to Saint Elizabeth University on July 1, 2020.  The university is located in Morristown, New Jersey and has a population of approximately 1,141 students. 

"Joining the Atlantic East Conference marks an exciting new chapter for Saint Elizabeth University athletics," said Dr. Gary B. Crosby, President, Saint Elizabeth University.  "This strategic move positions our student-athletes for continued success on the field, in the classroom, and in life. It reflects our commitment to excellence, equity, and opportunity, and we are proud to align with a conference that shares our values and vision for the future."

Saint Elizabeth transitioned the athletic programs to NCAA level in 2009 and then transitioned to coed in the fall of  2016. The Eagles will bring 11 varsity sports to the Atlantic East Conference. The Eagles will compete in the Atlantic East for baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's track and field, and women's volleyball. Saint Elizabeth also sponsors men's volleyball and STUNT.

[Kuiper]

I posted this in a separate thread previously, but might as well consolidate.  It also helps show who is replacing whom, since Saint Elizabeth's move to the Atlantic East is to replace Neumann, which is moving to the Middle Atlantic Conference

On Thursday, the Middle Atlantic Conferences (MAC) Executive Committee Chair and Misericordia University President Dan Myers announced the addition of Neumann University as the 17th member of the MAC beginning in the 2026-27 academic year.

"On behalf of the presidents of the member institutions of the Middle Atlantic Conference, it is my honor to welcome Neumann University to the conference," said President Myers. "Neumann is well positioned within the MAC footprint and brings a holistic approach to developing student-athletes that fits well with the MAC values. We look forward to competing against the Knights beginning in 2026-27."

The Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) is a group of diverse colleges and universities dedicated to the NCAA Division III philosophy, emphasizing the importance of athletics in the overall growth and success of students. With a long-standing history, the MAC provides a competitive athletic environment that fosters student-athlete development, academic achievement, and the values of good sportsmanship, preparing them for success in all aspects of life.

Neumann already competes in the MAC as an affiliate member in ice hockey, one of the university's established athletic programs. The Knights won the Division III national championship in 2009, and the MAC's strong commitment to hockey supports the development of Neumann's men's and women's programs, which currently include more than 80 student-athletes across varsity and club levels.

Over the past 15 years, Neumann has upgraded its athletic facilities, with more improvements planned. Most notably, the university has partnered with Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education to facilitate the construction of the Ed Snider Ice Arena on campus. The building will include two ice rinks, one serving as the home for the university's ice hockey teams and another designated as the official home for Snider programming in Chester and Delaware counties. The rinks will have seating for 1,000 and 300 spectators, respectively.

"The MAC includes institutions that share Neumann's academic values, size, and student-centered approach," said Dr. Chris Domes, Neumann's president. "This move ensures our student-athletes continue to compete at a high level while thriving in an environment that mirrors our mission."

The Knights will bring a slate of nine men's and 10 women's NCAA teams to the MAC, including baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball and more. In the last year, the Knights have won conference titles in soccer and basketball. More than 350 varsity athletes participate in Neumann's athletic programs.

[Kuiper]

Here are some other changes that were previously reported, but start this year

Conference Changes Starting in 2025-2026
Anna Maria leaves GNAC for the MASCAC
Fontbonne (SLIAC) closes
John Carroll leaves the OAC for the NCAC
LeTourneau leaves the ASC for the SCAC
Southwestern leaves the SCAC for the SAA
Trinity (Texas) leaves the SCAC for the SAA

[Ron Boerger]

I'm just flabbergasted that a school would leave a conference with only a few month's notice (if that).  It wreaks havoc on their schedule, the schedule of their old conference opponents, and the schedule of the new conference opponents.

[Kuiper]

I'm just flabbergasted that a school would leave a conference with only a few month's notice (if that).  It wreaks havoc on their schedule, the schedule of their old conference opponents, and the schedule of the new conference opponents.

Given all the movement/closures involving these two conferences over the last few years, I'm guessing schools consider all schedules to be rough drafts.  United East already knows it will be losing Rosemont after this year and the Atlantic East already knows it will be losing Neumann after this year, so maybe everyone wanted to pull of the bandaid quickly.