BOSTON – The America East Conference recently concluded productive meetings with several of its leadership groups, including the Board of Presidents, Athletic Directors, Senior Woman Administrators and men’s and women’s basketball coaches. Meetings were held June 6-7 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. while the Board of Presidents convened June 14 in Boston.
“It was great to be back in person for these in-person meetings and have our membership engaged in thoughtful, productive conversations that will help move us forward as a conference,” said America East Commissioner, Brad Walker. “It is a crucial time in intercollegiate athletics and America East is well positioned thrive moving forward as we prepare for the 2022-23 season.”
The Board of Presidents approved the 2022-23 conference budget, which will include significant funding for further mental health education for both student-athletes and coaches as well as investments to enhance the America East brand and the overall student-athlete experience.
Important national topics were discussed at both meetings, including Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), transfer legislation and decisions being considered by the NCAA Transformation Committee. Guests from the Transformation committee and NCAA staff guided the conversation, reviewed key issues and answered questions.
Other conference business discussed included championship dates and formats and prospective associate membership in select sports. The Administration Group approved raising men’s and women’s basketball officiating fees, two bylaw changes and the Gender Equity Review report, which concluded a year-long review of equitable opportunities and experiences at America East championships.
The conference’s men’s and women’s basketball coaches met on June 6 and jointly with the league’s Administration Group, on June 7. The groups discussed the shared commitment to excel in men’s and women’s basketball and the importance success in those sports is to the conference’s growth overall. Both groups discussed non-conference scheduling strategies and conference schedule variables with an eye towards increased postseason success. Additionally, both coaches’ groups were intrigued by the idea of “wild card” week which would pit non-conference opponents with similar resumes against each other in February.
Several retiring leaders were recognized for years of service to the conference, including University of New Hampshire Athletic Director, Mary Scarano and three outgoing campus leaders: UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski, UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacqueline Moloney and NJIT President Joel Bloom.
Lastly University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy was appointed the next chair of the Board of Presidents succeeding University at Albany President Havidán Rodríguez.
About America East: The America East provides its member schools and their athletic programs a platform upon which student-athletes can achieve both collegiate and life success through the promotion and nurturing of athletic excellence, academic achievement and leadership, on and off the field.
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