NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (Nov. 6, 2025) — Monroe University’s Mustangs athletic program has been accepted as the newest member of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference, an NCAA Division II league, the school announced Thursday.
The approval by the CACC Presidents Council makes Monroe the conference’s 12th full-time member. The move, effective with the 2026-2027 academic year, applies only to the Mustangs program at the New Rochelle campus and marks the first step in a multi-year transition toward full NCAA competition.
The university’s Express athletic program in the Bronx will remain in the NJCAA’s Region 15 with no changes.
“We’re thrilled to begin this journey with a conference that has such a rich tradition,” Luis Melendez, assistant vice president and director of athletics, said in a statement. “This is an exciting milestone for the Monroe Mustangs and a reflection of the hard work our coaches, staff, and student-athletes have put in over the years.”
CACC Commissioner Dan Mara called Monroe “committed to the entire student-athlete experience including athletics, academics and well-being.”
“We are proud to welcome Monroe University to the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference,” said John L. Hopkins, chair of the CACC Presidents Council and president and CEO of Post University. “Monroe’s strong focus on student-athlete success, both academically and athletically, aligns perfectly with the mission of Division II.”
Other CACC members include University of Bridgeport, Caldwell University, Chestnut Hill College, Dominican University, Felician University, Georgian Court University, Goldey-Beacom College, Holy Family University, Post University, Thomas Jefferson University and Wilmington University.
Monroe President Marc Jerome said the transition allows student-athletes to complete bachelor’s degrees while competing at a higher level with the same coaches and teammates.
The university plans to invest in new staff, upgraded facilities and enhanced academic resources. Monroe also thanked the NJCAA for its long-standing partnership.
Founded in 1933, Monroe University enrolls more than 9,000 students annually across campuses in the Bronx, New Rochelle and Saint Lucia, plus online programs.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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