MARLBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) is thrilled to welcome Saint Anselm College as the conference's 13th core member following support from the NEWMAC Presidents Council.

Saint Anselm College is anticipated to begin the NCAA reclassification process effective with the 2027-28 academic year. Following completion of the NCAA reclassification process, the Hawks are expected to become full-fledged Division III members in 2029-30 and, at that time, would be eligible for NCAA postseason competition pending NCAA approval.

"Through the cooperation of the NEWMAC leadership team, athletic directors, and institution Presidents, the conference has developed a strategic plan that includes targeted expansion," expresses Babson College President and Chair of NEWMAC Presidents Council, Stephen Spinelli. "Saint Anselm's academic stature, community profile, and storied history make them a wonderful new member of the NEWMAC family."

The addition of Saint Anselm College continues to strengthen the conference and exemplifies the NEWMAC's commitment to being a preeminent conference in Division III. Saint Anselm's mission is to form ethical, well-rounded citizens grounded in faith, community, and intellectual growth. These principles align with the NEWMAC's Division III values, providing student-athletes the opportunity to excel in the classroom, in competition, and within their communities while embodying what it means to be Champions of Academic and Athletic Excellence.

"We are excited about the opportunity to join the NEWMAC," states Saint Anselm College President, Joseph Favazza. "This strategic decision is in the best interest of the Saint Anselm student experience and the long-term future of the College. The NCAA landscape is changing rapidly. After careful consideration, we have chosen a proactive path, one that aligns with our mission and allows Saint Anselm to maintain control of its athletic future. We look forward to competing within the NEWMAC with a cohort of nationally respected institutions known for academic distinction and institutional stability."

Saint Anselm Athletics serves as an extension of the College's mission, where student-athletes compete with integrity, prioritize academics, and foster respect for others. These tenets complement the NEWMAC's core values of Excellence, Integrity, and Respect, further defining Saint Anselm's natural fit within the conference.

"Welcoming Saint Anselm College to the NEWMAC is an exciting milestone for our conference," expresses NEWMAC Executive Director, Patrick B. Summers. "I am grateful to Presidents Council Chair Stephen Spinelli and Membership Committee Chair President David Fithian for their vision and guidance in bringing this process to fruition. Throughout our discussions, Saint Anselm demonstrated a deep and authentic commitment to transitioning to Division III and to the NEWMAC — and that was evident every step of the way. We couldn't be more excited about the future."

With the addition of the Hawks, the NEWMAC is excited to expand its New England footprint, adding New Hampshire to its current member states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Saint Anselm is expected to compete in 16 of the NEWMAC's 21 sports, increasing sport sponsorship and championship field sizes while further enhancing the conference's already competitive profile and overall student-athlete experience.

"On behalf of the NEWMAC Membership Committee and the President's Council, I am proud to welcome Saint Anselm College to the NEWMAC," expresses Clark University President and Chair of the NEWMAC Membership Committee, David Fithian. "As the conference continues its pursuit of excellence within the NCAA Division III landscape, Saint Anselm will be a tremendous addition. The Hawks embody the core values of the NEWMAC—academic excellence, sportsmanship, and a strong tradition of athletic achievement."

Saint Anselm College sponsors 23 varsity sports and is home to more than 650 student-athletes, with 20 percent of its student-athletes pursuing degrees in nursing and health science fields. Since 2020, the Hawks have earned nine NCAA Division II automatic qualification berths, including one team national championship in field hockey (2024) and one team national semifinal appearance in men's lacrosse (2024). Saint Anselm has a strong history of regional and national success that will further enhance the NEWMAC's competitive strength.

"We are excited to join a conference that so clearly reflects our institutional priorities," said Saint Anselm Director of Athletics, Phil Rowe. "The NEWMAC is nationally recognized for its academic excellence, competitive depth, and long-term stability. This move allows us to provide the experience for our student-athletes by ensuring they can compete at a high level while fully engaging in the academic, leadership, and community opportunities that define a Saint Anselm education."

Saint Anselm College, also known as "The Hilltop", is a Catholic, Benedictine liberal arts institution located in Manchester, New Hampshire, and is home to impressive championship-level facilities. Currently underway is construction of the Van Hoof Athletic Complex, which will include a new home for track & field and men's and women's soccer beginning in 2027.

The conference office will begin working closely with Saint Anselm and the NCAA to assist in the reclassification process while supporting the Hawks administrators, coaches, support staff and student-athletes during their transition.
 
What others are saying around the NEWMAC….

President Kelli Armstrong, Salve Regina University:
"Saint Anselm's commitment to the values of DIII, particularly the education of the whole student athlete, resonates well with the values of the NEWMAC. We welcome their addition to our conference and know that they will enhance the experience for our athletes, while contributing to our shared mission to support our students in the journey to become their best selves."
 
President Mary-Beth Cooper, Springfield College:
"Saint Anselm joining the NEWMAC represents a meaningful step forward in the continued evolution of our conference and affirms our shared commitment to academic excellence and competitive distinction.  Throughout the process, it was clear that Saint Anselm's will bring a level of competitive excellence and academic integrity that aligns seamlessly with our membership."
 
Dr. G. Anthony Grant, Director of Athletics, DAPER Department Head, MIT:
"Throughout the membership process, it was evident that Saint Anselm College places a high value on athletic excellence and the holistic development of student-athletes, which seamlessly aligns with the values of the NEWMAC. Their addition further strengthens our conference in the midst of the rapidly changing landscape of Division III, not only competitively, but also in our shared purpose of preparing student-athletes to make a meaningful impact beyond athletics."
 
Bethany Ellis, Director of Athletics, Chair of PERA Department, Wellesley College:
"Saint Anselm stood out with their forward-thinking intentionality, demonstrating strong conviction about the value of athletics within a liberal arts education.  As we collectively navigate the turbulent times of collegiate athletics, this clarity of vision made Saint Anselm a compelling addition to the NEWMAC."
 
Dr. Craig Poisson, Executive Director of Athletics, Springfield College:
"As we thoughtfully expand our geographic reach, we are doing so with the goal of enhancing the student-athlete experience and positioning our conference for long-term success and stability in Division III athletics.  The addition of Saint Anselm creates the opportunity to rekindle historic matchups and rivalries that have long been part of the fabric of our institutions, adding a renewed sense of connection for our student-athletes and alumni alike."
 
About the NEWMAC
The NEWMAC is an association of 13 selective academic institutions: Babson College, Clark University, U.S Coast Guard Academy, Emerson College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, Saint Anselm College (beginning reclassification process with NCAA in 2027-28), Salve Regina University, Smith College, Springfield College, Wellesley College, Wheaton College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, that are committed to providing high quality competitive athletic opportunities for student-athletes within an educational and respectful environment that embodies the NCAA Division III Philosophy. The conference also partners with eight Associate Members: Brandeis University (Women's Lacrosse, 2026-2027), New York University (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), Norwich University (Football), Simmons College (Rowing), SUNY Maritime College (Football), SUNY New Paltz (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Football), and Vassar College (Men's Volleyball, 2026-2027), while sponsoring 21 sports.

--courtesy of the NEWMAC