NEW HAVEN, Conn. (November 6, 2025) – Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Commissioner Dan Mara and Post University President and CEO John Hopkins on Thursday announced that Monroe University will become the newest member of the conference following an approval vote earlier this week by the CACC Presidents’ Council. The Mustangs become the 12th full-time member of the CACC.
Monroe currently competes in the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) but will transition to NCAA Division II. The Mustangs boast a rich athletic tradition as it will help to enhance the CACC in future years.
"We are proud to welcome Monroe University to the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. Monroe's strong focus on student-athlete success, both academically and athletically, aligns perfectly with the mission of Division II and the values we uphold across the CACC. The Presidents’ Council is excited for the energy, talent, and commitment Monroe’s student-athletes will bring as we continue to elevate the experience for all teams in our conference," said President Hopkins, who also serves as the Chair of the CACC Presidents’ Council.
Commissioner Mara echoed President Hopkins’ sentiments as the conference will begin working with the institution in providing a seamless transition to Division II.
“I join my fellow administrators throughout the CACC in welcoming Monroe to the conference and look forward to assisting the institution throughout its entire process of elevating to NCAA Division II,” Mara said. “Monroe is committed to the entire student-athlete experience including athletics, academics and well-being. This was evident during the school’s application to the CACC. The institution's mission and values align perfectly with those of the CACC. We look forward to a bright future together for Monroe and the CACC.
“In the current higher education environment, conferences and universities need to be creative and nimble to keep moving forward. The CACC is grateful it found just such a partner in Monroe University and its outstanding administrators. The conference will continue to be innovative in all aspects affecting membership.”
The move to the CACC marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the Mustangs program and its student-athletes. This milestone reflects years of strategic growth, commitment, and planning. This transition represents Monroe’s dedication to providing student-athletes with an exceptional environment for academic and athletic success.
“This is an exciting chapter for Monroe,” said Marc Jerome, President of Monroe University. “It means our student-athletes will now be able to grow, compete, and complete their bachelor’s degrees right here at Monroe, surrounded by the same coaches, teammates, and mentors who have supported them from day one. This continuity will strengthen their academic and athletic success, and we couldn’t be prouder of this moment for our entire community.”
Luis Melendez, Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics at Monroe, who has worked closely with Commissioner Mara over the past several months, is excited for the journey that lies ahead for Monroe and its exciting future.
“We’re thrilled to begin this journey with a conference that has such a rich tradition,” said Melendez. “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.”
ABOUT MONROE UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1933, Monroe University is a recognized leader in urban and international education. The University is proud of its innovative programs to increase college access, affordability, and completion outcomes, especially among first-generation students, and for the national recognition it receives for its strong impact on graduates’ social mobility
Monroe educates more than 9,000 students each year, offering Certificate, Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programs from New York campuses in the Bronx and New Rochelle, as well as in the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia. Students may also pursue degree programs through Monroe Online. Programs are offered through Schools of Allied Health Professions, Business and Accounting, Criminal and Social Justice, Education, Hospitality Management, Information Technology, and Nursing, as well as through its King Graduate School. Liberal arts and continuing education programs are also available.
ABOUT THE CACC
Founded in 1961, the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference has been affiliated with NCAA Division II for 20 years. Conference institutions compete for championships in 17 sports – seven for men, nine for women, and one co-ed. The CACC contains 11 full members in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Membership includes the University of Bridgeport, Caldwell University, Chestnut Hill College, Dominican University New York, Felician University, Georgian Court University, Goldey-Beacom College, Holy Family University, Post University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Wilmington University.