LOWELL, Massachusetts – The University of Massachusetts at Lowell has announced that the athletics program will join Division I as a member of the America East Conference. The River Hawks retained Collegiate Consulting to perform a comprehensive feasibility study for the program. The study, completed in January of 2012, included an exploration of Division I opportunities, and analysis of America East and an assessment of the current athletic program.
“This is an exciting opportunity for UMass Lowell and a terrific addition by the America East,” stated Russell Wright, Managing Director of Collegiate Consulting. “The program is well positioned to be competitive within the conference and Division I.”
UMass Lowell will begin their transition effective July 1, 2013 and will begin competing in 14 sports in the 2013-14 academic year. The River Hawks will not be eligible for postseason play while it completes the four-year NCAA reclassification from Division II to Division I. The program will be a full Division I member beginning in the 2017-18 academic year. The men’s ice hockey team currently competes in the Division I Hockey East.
About Collegiate Consulting: Collegiate Consulting is a comprehensive solutions-based consulting company focused exclusively on the collegiate marketplace. Featuring a team of experienced and proven individuals, Collegiate Consulting enables athletic departments and conferences to increase revenue, create efficiencies and maximize operations to succeed and prosper in a diverse climate. Collegiate Consulting was founded as a partnership with Strategic Marketing Affiliate in 2005, since its inception, Collegiate Consulting has worked with over 300 institutions.
About UMass Lowell: UMass Lowell is a national research university located on a high-energy campus in the heart of a global community. The university offers its more than 16,000 students bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health and environment, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs, vigorous hands-on learning and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be ready for work, for life and for all the world offers.