LATHAM, NY - United East Conference Commissioner Stephanie Dutton recently joined Small College Conversations for an in-depth discussion about the changing landscape of NCAA Division III athletics and the future of the United East Conference.

The conversation covered the United East's evolving relationship with the Atlantic East Conference, including the strategic partnership announced earlier this year and the addition of the Atlantic East's remaining institutions as full members of the United East. The discussion also examined the broader challenges surrounding conference realignment and membership stability throughout Division III.

Dutton also discussed the challenges and opportunities that come with operating a 17-member conference, including scheduling, championship structures and ways the conference office can continue supporting its member institutions. The conversation looked ahead to the addition of men's and women's swimming and diving as a United East championship sport, as well as the continued growth of women's flag football and other emerging sports.

The interview also explored several issues impacting Division III nationally, including automatic qualification for NCAA championships, name, image and likeness (NIL), student-athlete eligibility and the challenges facing institutions across the Division III landscape.

Watch the full conversation with Commissioner Dutton on Small College Conversations below.

 

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The United East boasts 13 NCAA Division III full-member institutions: Cairn University, Cedar Crest College, Gallaudet University, Keystone College, Lancaster Bible College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Harrisburg, St. Mary's College of Maryland and Wilson College. For more information, visit gounitedeast.com.