FLORHAM PARK BOROUGH, N.J. (Morris County) — Saint Elizabeth University will join a newly forming NCAA Division III athletic conference based in the New York City region beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, university officials announced.
The conference, which is still being finalized and named, will include nine institutions, most of which are current members of the City University of New York Athletic Conference. Saint Elizabeth will compete alongside Baruch College, Brooklyn College, City College of New York, Hunter College, John Jay College, Lehman College, Medgar Evers College, Pratt Institute and York College.
Saint Elizabeth and Pratt Institute are currently members of the Atlantic East Conference and will depart that league following the 2026-27 academic year.
“Saint Elizabeth University is proud to join this new Division III conference, an affiliation that reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunity, elevating competition, and positioning our student-athletes and institutions for long-term success,” said Saint Elizabeth’s president Dr. Gary B. Crosby. “This move strengthens opportunities for competition, enhances the student experience, and supports the continued growth of our athletics program, while positioning the University to thrive in an evolving higher education landscape.”
University officials said the move aligns with the institution’s geographic footprint and long-term athletic goals, while also providing expanded opportunities for student-athletes.
“Joining the new conference marks a definitive step forward in the evolution of Saint Elizabeth Athletics. This transition is a high-level, strategic move designed to align our university with a conference that matches our ambition and our regional footprint,” added Saint Elizabeth Director of Athletics James Adams. “We are excited to build new rivalries and provide our student-athletes with a championship-caliber experience that reflects the growth and momentum of Saint Elizabeth University.”
Leaders from participating institutions said the conference is expected to continue expanding.
“The development of this new conference is an exciting process and Saint Elizabeth’s commitment to join our work is a very positive and welcome step forward,” said Dr. Fernando Delgado, president of Lehman College and chair of the CUNY Athletic Conference Council of Presidents.
“Saint Elizabeth University, as the second new future member to join this new conference, is significant for several reasons. First and foremost, they fit with our other institutions in many ways, including but not limited to geographical, sport sponsorship, and competitive levels,” said CUNYAC Acting Commissioner Dr. Kurt Patberg. “In addition, they are the second private institution, along with new member Pratt Institute, of what will hopefully be several others that see this new conference as a great fit.”
Saint Elizabeth will bring 12 NCAA Division III sports to the new conference, including baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, track and field and volleyball for both men and women.
The addition of Saint Elizabeth expands the conference footprint into New Jersey, complementing existing member institutions located across New York City’s five boroughs.
