Saint Anselm College to move to Division III for sports

Saint Anselm College will soon leave NCAA Division II to compete in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) in Division III.

The change, which the college described as a “deliberate and mission-centered decision,” is meant to improve the experience for student-athletes and align the college with an institution that shares a commitment to holistic student development.

The Hawks compete in the Northeast 10 Conference, which is in NCAA Division II. They’ll complete their final year in that conference during the 2026-27 academic year before transitioning July 1, 2027. By 2029-30, the college is expected to achieve full NCAA Division III membership, pending membership committee approval.

“We are confident this decision is in the best interest of the Saint Anselm student experience and the long-term future of the College,” Saint Anselm President Joseph Favazza said in a statement. “The NCAA landscape is changing rapidly, driven by Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) financial opportunities, an active transfer portal that leads to team instability and growing uncertainty among conferences. 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.”

Spokesman Paul Pronovost said the new conference is where Saint Anselm is best positioned.

“This decision is based on the fact that the athletic landscape has been shifting quite rapidly,” Pronovost said Wednesday afternoon.

Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships. Student-athletes who receive athletic scholarships may receive larger general financial aid packages post-switch, depending on who and what their circumstances are. The college is investing in the development of the Van Hoof Athletic Complex, which the men’s and women’s soccer teams and track and field teams will call home in 2027.

“This is not a cost-saving measure in any way,” Pronovost said.

College officials said the transition is part and parcel of a strategic reinvestment in the holistic experience for student-athletes. Resources will shift from athletic scholarships toward academic support and wellness initiatives, among other opportunities.

“The college is going to continue to be, fundamentally, a liberal arts college,” Pronovost said.

Helping students develop the skills required to land a good career and those needed to live a good life remain the college’s priorities.

The announcement comes at a dynamic period at Saint Anselm College, a private, Catholic institution located primarily in Goffstown, and a small piece of Bedford bordering Manchester. The college experienced record enrollment in 2025 and in March, named its 12th president, Michael Lewis.

Lewis serves as provost and chief academic officer at Saint Louis University in Missouri and is set to start the job July 1. He’ll succeed Favazza, who is retiring June 30.