Gwynedd Valley, Pa. – (8/11/2026) – After an extended assessment of resources, benefits, and opportunities, Gwynedd Mercy University has determined, along with current Atlantic East Conference (AEC) institutions – Centenary University (N.J.), Immaculata University, and Marymount University – to become fulltime members of the United East Conference (United East). Effective July 1, 2027, the decision will result in the dissolution of the AEC and will increase the United East's total core membership to 17. "This is a great opportunity for our student-athletes," affirmed Gwynedd Mercy University Director of Athletics Keith Mondillo. "A larger conference means more access to automatic qualifiers and championship opportunities. It also means we get to compete against schools with similar philosophies, budgets, and staffing models. That kind of competitive balance matters. It raises the level of play and gives our teams a stable, strong environment to compete in for years to come."
 
Earlier this year, the AEC and United East conferences announced a strategic partnership that intended to provide a pathway for the two organizations to remain as separate and sustainable conferences amidst the ever-evolving landscape of higher education and intercollegiate athletics. Since that time, leadership from both conferences have engaged in an assessment of the various ways to optimize the student-athlete experience. "After careful review, it became clear that having all athletic programs competing within one conference provides the strongest and most stable environment for the student-athletes of member institutions," said Gwynedd Mercy University President Deanne H. D'Emilio, JD. "Between now and July 2027, the two conferences will remain committed to a strategic partnership in select sports to ensure student-athletes have access to competitive play." For the upcoming year, field hockey, men's and women's swimming & diving, men's & women's indoor track & field, men's volleyball, and women's lacrosse will be partnered for championships and the accompanying automatic qualifiers (AQ) for National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) postseason play. Men's Lacrosse will join the list of partnered sports in spring of 2027 with the top team from each conference competing in a crossover championship for the AEC's AQ.

United East Commissioner Stephanie Dutton issued the following statement about the recent membership announcement. "First and foremost, I want to thank the presidents and chancellors from the Atlantic East and the United East for their work and commitment over the last nine months. While the outcome of our work differs from our initial goal, it was clear in every discussion that our campus leaders are most committed to ensuring their student-athletes have a positive conference experience in a stable and competitive environment." In closing, she stated, "We look forward to welcoming these four institutions to the United East in 2027 and see this addition as another opportunity for our conference to continue evolving and innovating in ways that best support Division III student-athletes during a volatile time in higher education."