The New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) is thrilled to welcome Salve Regina University as its newest member institution following unanimous support from the NEWMAC Presidents Council. Salve Regina will become the conference's 12th core member effective July 1, 2023 and will begin participating in conference play during the 2023-2024 academic year.
"Welcoming Salve Regina University to the NEWMAC is one that we do with great anticipation and excitement," said Springfield College President and Chair of the NEWMAC Presidents Council, Mary-Beth Cooper. "This expansion not only diversifies our conference's geographical footprint, but provides the NEWMAC with another like-minded institution that aligns with our core values and broadens our institutional portfolio. As our conference continues to emerge out of the pandemic stronger than ever, I'm confident that Salve Regina's addition to the NEWMAC provides strength, stability, and opportunity."
The addition of Salve Regina University further strengthens the NEWMAC as a preeminent conference in Division III, aligning in all facets, academically and athletically. Salve Regina was founded by the Sisters of Mercy, who sought wisdom and promoted universal justice while focusing on the whole person, academic exploration and excellence and service to others. Such tenets were one of the many ways Salve Regina showed their fit with the NEWMAC's core values of Excellence, Integrity, and Respect.
"The NEWMAC institutions are known not only for their academic excellence but their commitment to the support of the whole student and the creation of inclusive educational environments," said Salve Regina University President, Kelli J. Armstrong. "Salve Regina is truly honored to be a member of this prestigious and progressive athletic conference."
As its 12th member, Salve Regina will participate in 16 of the NEWMAC's 20 sports, having immediate impact by increasing team sponsorship and championship field size, while bolstering the competitiveness within the conference, regionally and nationally in Division III. NEWMAC student-athletes can add Newport as a new destination, as the conference now reaches three New England states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
"As the chair of the NEWMAC Expansion Task Force, it has been an honor and a privilege working with the exceptional members of our conference as we looked across the landscape of higher-education to identify the best institution to join us in pursuit of our goals'' expresses Rear Admiral William Kelly, Superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. "Salve Regina University is the perfect fit for the NEWMAC and their commitment to the student-athlete experience is inspiring. We look forward to having them join us and I am confident their addition to the conference will ensure the strength and stability of the NEWMAC during a period of significant change in college athletics."
As Salve Regina officially joins the NEWMAC on July 1, 2023, both the NEWMAC and Salve Regina will be concluding celebrations of their 25-Year and 75-Year anniversaries, respectively. These celebrations and similar strategic goals shows the parallels between the NEWMAC institutions, which only solidifies and supports the conference's expansion to add Salve Regina University as a core member, while continuing to display dedication and commitment to the student-athlete experience.
"It is exciting to welcome Salve Regina University as the conference's 12th member," expresses NEWMAC Executive Director, Patrick B. Summers. "My sincere thanks go to RADM Kelly and the members of the Task Force, President Cooper for her continued leadership as chair of the NEWMAC Presidents Council and President Armstrong and her team at Salve for their absolute commitment to our process. There is something quite significant about the NEWMAC celebrating its 25th anniversary, Title IX celebrating its 50th anniversary and Salve celebrating its 75th anniversary as we welcome them into a conference that champions academic and athletic excellence and was founded as an all women's athletic conference."
Salve Regina University sponsors 20 varsity sports, supporting over 500 student-athletes and aligning with the NEWMAC's mission of being Champions of Academic and Athletic Excellence. Salve Regina student-athletes boast an average of a 3.5 GPA while earning nine NCAA AQ's in the last seven years. The Seahawks will participate in 16 NEWMAC sponsored sports: baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, field hockey, football, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, softball, men's and women's tennis, women's track and field and volleyball.
"Becoming a member of the NEWMAC conference is a wonderful opportunity for our student-athletes and staff to grow and succeed regionally and nationally," said Salve Regina University Director of Athletics, Jody Mooradian. "While we have had great success in our current conference and enjoy the relationships we have there, we look forward to collaborating with a new set of administrators, coaches and student athletes."
Salve Regina University is home to impressive facilities throughout the 75-acre campus and also expands their reach into the community of Newport. Salve Regina works closely with the local community to help develop facilities that can be beneficial to all of Newport while being the home to many of the Seahawks athletic programs.
The conference office will begin work immediately to develop conference schedules for the 2023-2024 season and beyond, as conference play in fall of 2023 will begin mid-September. For more information about the NEWMAC and Salve Regina University, please access the links below.
What others are saying around the NEWMAC…
President Stephen Spinelli Jr., Babson College
"Salve Regina's application to join the NEWMAC was meticulously developed. Their team was acutely tuned to the NEWMAC athletic and learning philosophy. As important, the Salve Regina leadership team's embrace of their mission in education was palpable and inspiring. Welcome to your NEWMAC!"
Trish Cronin, Director of Athletics, Clark University
"Clark University joins its member institutions in welcoming Salve Regina University to the NEWMAC family. After reviewing their application, it was evident that Salve Regina shares the same vision for student-athlete success that has defined the rich tradition of our conference for generations. As the review process continued, their administration clearly demonstrated a commitment to academic achievement, athletic accomplishment, and community engagement at the highest levels. Salve Regina will help the NEWMAC continue to elevate itself as a national leader in upholding the values of Division III athletics."
Dr. G. Anthony Grant, Director of Athletics/DAPER Department Head, MIT
"Salve Regina's commitment to providing a holistic academic and athletic experience for its students aligns directly with the values of the NEWMAC. Throughout this process, it was evident that there was a clear institutional commitment to engaging in the membership process. We are very excited to welcome Salve Regina into the conference as our newest member!"
Bethany Ellis, Director of Athletics; Chair of PERA, Wellesley College
"We are excited to welcome Salve Regina to the NEWMAC. Throughout the process, their leadership has been impressive in articulating their mission and trajectory. As we assessed the opportunity for expansion, it became clear that Salve Regina would be a good fit for our conference."
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