Bridgewater, N.J. – The Northeast Conference and Commissioner Noreen Morris announced on Tuesday afternoon that the NEC has added Cleveland State University and Robert Morris University as associate members for men's lacrosse starting with the 2024-25 academic year.

The addition of CSU Vikings and RMU Colonials will increase the conference to seven men's lacrosse-playing institutions. Core members Le Moyne, LIU and Wagner along with associate members Detroit Mercy and VMI account for the other five. Cleveland State and Robert Morris will be immediately eligible to compete in the 2025 NEC Men's Lacrosse Championship, with the opportunity to secure the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Championship.

"I'm delighted to extend a warm welcome to Cleveland State and reintroduce Robert Morris into our men's lacrosse community," said Morris. "Their commitment, combined with the recent additions of Detroit Mercy and VMI, represents a significant step forward in our goal to elevate the stature of NEC men's lacrosse. We eagerly await the start of play next year, where we will see the fruits of this collective effort take shape."

"We are extremely grateful for the incredible leadership displayed by Commissioner Morris during this challenging period," said Le Moyne Assistant Vice President of Athletics & Recreation Bob Beretta. "The commissioner moved swiftly and decisively in solidifying the NEC's men's lacrosse membership, rebuilding a coalition that will serve our program well. We look forward to competing for a conference championship when the NEC resumes its men's lacrosse sponsorship in 2025."

"We are very appreciative of Commissioner Norris and her continuous efforts with men's lacrosse in the NEC," said Le Moyne head coach Dan Sheehan.