July 13th, 2024 by WCBC Radio
The Mountain East Conference officially welcomed Point Park University as its newest member on Thursday, following its acceptance into the NCAA Division II membership process, as announced by the association.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Mountain East Conference is very pleased to welcome Point Park University to our league," said Dr. Ronald Nowaczyk, Frostburg State University President and President of the MEC Board of Directors. "Point Park brings much that we value to the table, including growing our presence in the Pittsburgh market. We are confident that Point Park is well positioned to meet the rigors of the recently updated NCAA Division II membership process as they begin the transition and that they will be a highly valued member of the MEC."
Point Park was offered membership in the Mountain East Conference after a unanimous vote by the MEC Board of Directors in December 2023, contingent upon their acceptance into the NCAA Division II membership process, which was approved today.
"We are thrilled that Point Park University has been accepted into the NCAA Division II membership process, and we look forward to the Pioneers competing as a member of the Mountain East Conference beginning this fall," said Commissioner Reid Amos. "Throughout our membership process and Point Park's application process with the NCAA, it has become clear that PPU strongly aligns with the values, goals, and collective mission of the Mountain East Conference and its member institutions. Today is a great day as we officially welcome Point Park to the Mountain East."
As the only university in downtown Pittsburgh, Point Park enrolls over 3,300 students and has nearly 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs as part of six colleges. As a member of the MEC, the Pioneers will compete in 15 of the MEC's 23 sponsored sports in 2024-25 and will add men's and women's wrestling and men's and women's lacrosse over the next two years.
"It was always clear to me that making the move to the NCAA was critical for the growth and future of Point Park," said President Dr. Chris W. Brussalis. "I am excited for our student-athletes, who will have the opportunity to excel against stronger competition and see travel time reduced by 65 percent in the Mountain East Conference. But, I also believe this will provide opportunities for us to increase our presence in downtown Pittsburgh."
Point Park has a storied and highly successful history in collegiate athletics. Previously, as a member of NAIA and the River States Conference, the Pioneers won the RSC Commissioner's All-Sports Cup six times, including each of the last three seasons. Last season, Point Park claimed a NAIA National Championship in Marathon.
With successful progression through the NCAA membership process, Point Park is pursuing an available track to achieve full NCAA Division II membership as soon as the 2026-27 season.
