HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — Centenary University will join the United East Conference in 2027 as part of an expansion that will create a 17-member NCAA Division III athletic conference.
Centenary will officially become a member July 1, 2027, along with Gwynedd Mercy University, Immaculata University and Marymount University, according to the university.
The expanded United East will sponsor competition across 23 sports and become one of the larger conferences in NCAA Division III.
The move follows months of planning and evaluation involving leaders from the Atlantic East Conference, United East Conference and their member institutions. Centenary said the expanded conference is expected to provide greater stability, strengthen regional competition and create opportunities for new scheduling and divisional formats.
“Joining the United East Conference is a strategic investment in the future of Centenary athletics,” said Dan Armida, Centenary’s Director of Athletics. “This move will provide our student-athletes with an expanded competitive platform, increased visibility, and greater opportunities to pursue conference and national recognition. The United East shares our commitment to the Division III model, where athletic excellence and academic achievement go hand in hand.”
Centenary said joining the conference will also provide opportunities to develop regional rivalries while maintaining an emphasis on academics and student-athlete well-being.
The move comes after what the university described as one of the strongest competitive years in the history of its athletic programs.
The Cyclones had a national champion, five student-athletes earn regional podium finishes and two advance to national competition. Seven student-athletes received Academic All-America honors, while the baseball team finished first in its division.
Centenary’s equestrian program also reached a No. 3 national ranking and received national recognition for sportsmanship, according to the university.
“These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches and staff and demonstrate the momentum within Centenary athletics,” Armida said. “We look forward to building on that success as a member of the United East.”
Centenary University President John Schol said the conference change also aligns with the university’s broader goals for its students.
“Our decision to join the United East Conference reflects Centenary University’s commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our students inside and outside the classroom,” Schol said. “The United East offers a strong and sustainable future for our athletic programs while aligning with our values of student development, leadership, and community. This move strengthens our ability to attract talented student-athletes, enhances the university’s visibility and positions Centenary for continued success in an evolving collegiate athletics landscape.”
The Atlantic East and United East conferences will continue their strategic partnership in selected sports until the new membership structure takes effect in July 2027.
Centenary said the arrangement will allow student-athletes to continue competing for championship opportunities during the transition.
