Saint Anselm will transition to the NEWMAC in Division III beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.
Saint Anselm College will begin a transition to the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) in Division III. The College has accepted an invitation from the NEWMAC to join effective July 1, 2027.
“We are confident this strategic decision is in the best interest of the Saint Anselm student experience and the long-term future of the College,” said Saint Anselm President Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D. “The NCAA landscape is changing rapidly, driven by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) financial opportunities, a transfer portal that leads to team instability, and growing uncertainty among conferences. After careful consideration, we have chosen a proactive path that aligns with our mission and allows the College to maintain control of its athletic future.”
The NEWMAC aligns Saint Anselm with highly stable, mission-focused peer institutions that emphasize the primacy of the student-athlete experience. These colleges include Babson College, Clark University, Emerson College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Mount Holyoke College, Salve Regina University, Springfield College, Smith College, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Wellesley College, Wheaton College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
The NEWMAC is an association of selective academic institutions that are committed to providing high quality competitive athletic opportunities for student-athletes within an environment that embodies the NCAA Division III philosophy and core values. The NEWMAC is committed to academic and athletic excellence, strengthened by the diversity of their institutional membership.
"What stood out most about Saint Anselm College throughout this process was how naturally their institutional values aligned with the NEWMAC's. In a challenging higher education landscape, a strategic priority and focal point of our conference's vision includes being proactive around growth to ensure stability and sustainability for the future of our membership and programs,” said Patrick B. Summers, executive director of the NEWMAC.
Saint Anselm has been a member of the Northeast 10 conference in NCAA Division II. The College will continue to compete in the NE10 for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Saint Anselm sponsors 23 varsity programs and is home to more than 650 student-athletes. The Hawks have demonstrated consistent competitive success, including multiple NCAA tournament appearances, a national championship in field hockey (2024), and a national semifinal appearance in men’s lacrosse (2024).
The transition to NEWMAC will provide student-athletes with the opportunity to excel in their sport while fully engaging in the academic, social, and spiritual life that defines Saint Anselm College.
“This move reflects the heart of Saint Anselm’s Catholic, Benedictine mission,” said Athletic Director Phil Rowe. “Athletics is an extension of our educational experience, and the NEWMAC offers a conference home that mirrors our priorities both in the classroom and in competition. We are deeply grateful to the Northeast 10 Conference for the longstanding partnership, rivalries, and championships that have shaped our history, and we look forward to building on that foundation as we step into this next chapter.”
Based on significant changes to the NCAA landscape, President Favazza last year commissioned a task force to study how Saint Anselm should position itself within that landscape. Trustee Jim Van Hoof, a 1985 graduate who played soccer for the Hawks, was chair of the Athletic Review Committee.
The College’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to make the transition to DIII and the NEWMAC.
We are confident this strategic decision is in the best interest of the Saint Anselm student experience and the long-term future of the College. After careful consideration, we have chosen a proactive path that aligns with our mission and allows the College to maintain control of its athletic future.
“To our alumni athletes, we know your experience on the Hilltop was formative, shaping both your personal and professional lives,” Van Hoof said. “While the NCAA environment has evolved significantly since your time here, we believe this transition reflects the enduring mission of Saint Anselm athletics that you remember so well and ensures future Hawks can compete, thrive and carry forward the legacy you created.”
Saint Anselm has made a significant investment in athletic teams and facilities. In the fall, a groundbreaking was held for the Van Hoof Athletic Complex, which will include a new home for track & field and men’s and women’s soccer beginning in 2027.
“Saint Anselm’s commitment to the student-athlete experience, academic excellence, and to transitioning to Division III was evident in every conversation and communication throughout the process. The Hawks aren't just joining a conference; they're joining a community that shares core and founding principles,” NEWMAC’s Summers said.
To learn more, go to www.anselm.edu/newmac-transition.
What NEWMAC members are saying:
Clark University President and Chair of the NEWMAC Membership Committee, David Fithian:
“On behalf of the NEWMAC Membership Committee and the President’s Council, I am proud to welcome Saint Anselm College to the NEWMAC. 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.”
Salve Regina University President Kelli Armstrong:
“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.”
Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper:
“Saint Anselm’s 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.”