BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Chicago State University has accepted a full membership invitation from the Northeast Conference Council of Presidents, effective July 1, 2024, it was announced today by NEC commissioner Noreen Morris and Chicago State president Zaldwaynaka "Z" Scott.

A press conference to announce the partnership is scheduled for today at 12 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on NEC Front Row.
 
"Today, we enthusiastically welcome Chicago State University into the NEC community and eagerly anticipate the profound impact and competitive spirit that the Cougar student-athletes will bring to our conference," Morris said. "This addition not only solidifies the NEC at eight full-time institutions for the 2024-25 academic year, but also signifies a strategic entry into the Windy City, the nation's third-largest media market. As Chicago State continues its upward trajectory, we look forward to a dynamic partnership that enriches both the conference and the vibrant campus life at CSU."

Chicago State is set to join NEC charter members LIU, FDU, Saint Francis U and Wagner College, alongside Central Connecticut State University (admitted in 1997), Stonehill College (admitted in 2022) and Le Moyne College (admitted in 2023).

The inclusion of Chicago State markedly expands the NEC footprint, now encompassing three of the United States' top-10 media markets: New York City (No. 1), Chicago (No. 3) and Boston (No. 8).

Located on Chicago's south side, CSU offers 15 varsity intercollegiate athletic programs, all of which are sponsored by the NEC. The Cougars field seven men's teams and eight women's teams. Sports sponsorship at CSU includes men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, and women's volleyball.
  
Chicago State will be integrated into NEC athletic schedules beginning with the 2024-25 academic year. The Cougars will gain immediate eligibility to participate in all NEC championships and earn the conference's automatic qualifier to NCAA Championships.
 
"Chicago State University has determined the NEC is the best future fit for the university and its athletic programs," Scott said. "Our move to the NEC, a thriving conference with strong academic and athletic traditions, will continue to raise the university's profile by increasing its visibility and growing our reach across the country. We look forward to a great conference relationship and beginning a new era of sports programming."
 
Founded in 1867, Chicago State holds the distinction of being the sole four-year Predominantly Black Institution in Illinois as designated by the U.S. Department of Education.

Boasting an enrollment of nearly 3,000, Chicago State ranks No. 1 in tuition affordability in the Chicagoland area and is in the top 4 percent nationally for boosting graduates' economic mobility.

This fall, Chicago State launched a fundraising campaign, signaling its commitment to expand its Division I sports programs and explore the possibility of adding FCS football.

Dr. Monique Carroll, Chicago State's director of intercollegiate athletics, conveyed her excitement regarding the college's affiliation with the NEC. 

"The NEC stood out because of its mission to support student-athletes in competition, in the classroom and in their community," Carroll said. "The NEC also has a strong vision for future growth that aligns with our own. We look forward to growing with it and to giving our students an opportunity to compete for championships."
 
Chicago State's Division I history traces back to the 1984-85 academic year. Over the years, the Cougars have competed in various conferences, including the East Coast Conference (1993-94), Mid-Continent Conference (1994-06), Great West Conference (2009-13) and Western Athletic Conference (2013-22). For the past two years, CSU has operated as an independent institution.

In 1974, Melvin Bland made history as the first Chicago State student-athlete to achieve NAIA All-American status in wrestling. Following suit, Fred Evans broke barriers in 1975 by becoming the first black swimmer to secure a national championship. Another trailblazing moment occurred in 1991 when the Chicago State women's tennis team achieved an unbeaten season, marking the first all-black college team to do so at the NCAA level.

Fast forward to 2011, and CSU's women's basketball team earned distinction with a spot in the Women's Basketball Invitational. Two years later, the men's basketball team claimed the 2013 Great West Conference Tournament title and made an appearance in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT). The men's 4x100 relay team earned gold at the 2019 WAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships and secured Honorable Mention All-American status after qualifying for the program's first-ever NCAA Championship meet. In 2021, three different CSU teams notched victories over Big Ten opponents, with men's soccer beating Northwestern, women's basketball upending Wisconsin and women's volleyball sweeping Indiana in Bloomington. The women's volleyball program has qualified for the National Invitational Volleyball Championship in two of the last three years.