Excerpt

First in New Jersey, New Team Will Offer Highest Level of Competition for Women Riders Through the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Centenary University will introduce a National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) Division III equestrian team beginning in the 2024-25 academic year. The University will be the first in New Jersey to field an NCEA team, the highest level of competition offered for women riders through the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The new team will complement the University’s existing co-ed Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) team.

“This is exciting news for Centenary University’s equestrian program,” said Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., president of the University. “The success of the equestrian program is one of our highest priorities. We want students to excel, both in the classroom and in competition.”

NCEA competition is growing at the DIII level, making it an attractive option for smaller schools like Centenary, explained Michael Dowling, assistant professor of equine studies, who will coach Centenary’s new team with Heather Clark, assistant professor of equine studies. “This positions Centenary to recruit a higher level of rider and enhance our existing program,” explained Dowling, who together with Clark also coaches Centenary’s IHSA team. “Parents understand NCAA sports and want that for their children. The top riders are all going to NCEA schools, yet we have academic opportunities not offered at larger DI and DII schools. In fact, Centenary will be the only NCEA school offering a degree program in equine studies.”