LORETTO, Pa. — Today, Saint Francis University announced a decision by its Board of Trustees that directs the president and the leadership team to pursue a reclassification of its National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I intercollegiate athletics program to Division III. The shift in athletics offerings for men’s and women’s athletic competition would occur concurrent with the 2026-2027 academic year and fall 2026 athletic competition, with the Red Flash participating in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC).
The university’s athletics teams will continue to participate in Division I intercollegiate athletics as part of the Northeast Conference through summer 2026 competition. The university will file the necessary paperwork with the NCAA and has accepted an invitation from the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.
“This was not an easy nor a quick decision for the Board of Trustees,” stated Chairman and the Very Rev. Joseph Lehman, T.O.R., Ph.D. “The governance associated with intercollegiate athletics has always been complicated and is only growing in complexity based on realities like the transfer portal, pay-for-play, and other shifts that move athletics away from love of the game. For that reason, as a Board, we aim to best provide resources and support to our student-athletes in this changing environment that aligns with our mission, Catholic institution, and our community’s expectations.”
The Board of Trustees participated in an extensive discussion and review of their options for the future of the university’s athletics program and determined that this decision helps Saint Francis to achieve the institution’s mission and strategic plan.
Lehman continued, “All of the university’s offerings that are a core part of the Saint Francis identity and student experience are reviewed by the Board on an ongoing basis, including intercollegiate athletics. Based on the changes in athletics nationally, it would be a disservice to our student-athletes and athletic department staff not to review and assess how we can best provide the resources necessary for them to be competitive.”
President and the Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D., added, “The Board and I have been concerned about the student-athlete experience for many years. The geography of our conference is huge. Our students travel either to Chicago or to Boston or to points in between. That’s a lot of time not spent on campus, developing friendships or in the classroom. This change allows our students to be present on campus and lets their friends attend more of their home and away games. This decision is about creating and maintaining community and allowing our student-athletes to thrive in the classroom and their chosen sport.”
Van Tassell stressed, “I want to be clear—we are very proud of our Division I history and success, and our student-athletes. We know this transition may be stressful. We will do everything possible to support our student-athletes, their families, our coaches, and our staff and do right by you.”
Saint Francis has established a website with additional information, including a chart that outlines what this decision means for current student-athletes, coaches, and athletic department staff. In addition, anticipated questions are answered online and other questions can be submitted to athletics@francis.edu.
Release courtesy Saint Francis University Athletics Communications
