Waterville, ME – The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Presidents' Council has confirmed the acceptance of SUNY Canton and the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) as full members of the conference, effective today, July 1, 2018.

SUNY Canton and UMPI will begin competition as members of the NAC beginning in the 2018-19 academic year along with the University of Maine at Farmington, Husson University, Johnson State College, Lyndon State College, Maine Maritime Academy and Thomas College.

"SUNY Canton is excited to be joining such an outstanding, competitive and well-respected conference," SUNY Canton President Dr. Zvi Szafran said. "We appreciate the fantastic leadership of Commissioner Marcella Zalot and her guidance throughout this process, and we are particularly thrilled with the conference's student-centered philosophy."

"The NAC is thrilled to welcome both Canton and UMPI into the conference beginning in 2018-19, as both institutions align with the NAC's core values and mission" said NAC Commissioner Marcella Zalot. "Throughout the application process, it was clear that these two institutions are committed to their athletic programs, student-athletes and athletics staffs. I am excited to work with them as the NAC strategically charts our course of action for the future. These two institutions will make the NAC stronger."

The NAC features competition in 12 of SUNY Canton's 15 NCAA Division III sponsored sports including baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's golf, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, softball and women's volleyball.

"It is an honor to join this group of outstanding schools and athletic programs," SUNY Canton Athletic Director Randy Sieminski said. "We look forward to regularly competing in the NAC next year and providing our student-athletes with the opportunities and benefits of belonging to such a strong, student-focused conference."

"Together with fellow NAC presidents I am delighted to welcome both SUNY Canton and UMPI into the North Atlantic Conference," said Dr. Kathryn A. Foster, President of the University of Maine at Farmington and chair of the NAC Presidents' Council. "I know from the application process and speaking to the Presidents of both institutions that these entrants are firmly committed to the NAC's emphasis on a student-centered mission, placing greatest priority on academics."

"The addition of Canton and UMPI," added Foster, "fulfills an ongoing strategic initiative by the NAC Presidents' Council to expand conference membership and provide the highest-quality experience for our institutions, athletic programs and student-athletes. Our mission and core values are central to our membership, and we were fortunate to find members who share a commitment to our principles."

In addition to the 12 sports mentioned above competing in the NAC beginning this academic year, the women's hockey team will continue to compete in the Colonial Hockey Conference (CHC) during the 2018-19 academic year before transitioning to the Northeast Women's Hockey League (NEWHL) in 2019-20 and the women's golf team will continue competition in the Empire 8 Conference.