Saint Elizabeth Moving to Atlantic East in 2025-2026

[Kuiper]

Saint Elizabeth moving from United East to Atlantic East 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.

[Pat Coleman]

This might not need a whole topic. It could probably be discussed in the existing conference alignment changes topic.