Bridgewater, NJ -- After more than 16 years as the Commissioner of the NEC, it was announced today that Noreen Morris will be stepping down from her role to become the Executive Director of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA), effective September 1, 2026.
During her tenure at the NEC, Morris worked extensively with the Council of Presidents, Athletic Directors and Senior Woman Administrators to implement strategies and initiatives focused on enhancing the NEC’s brand, highlighting the marquee sport of basketball, building a stronger sense of community across the league and delivering a first-class student-athlete experience. In addition to spearheading three NEC Strategic Plans and multiple media rights contract negotiations, Morris helped the league and its membership navigate the ever-changing collegiate athletics landscape from a membership and governance perspective.
Throughout her collegiate athletics career, Morris dedicated thousands of hours to committee service for the NCAA and associated organizations, helping to advocate for the student-athlete experience. She served on more than a dozen committees, chairing multiple groups including the NCAA DI Men’s Soccer Committee, NCAA DI Leadership Council, DI Strategic Planning & Vision Committee, NCAA Gender Equity Taskforce and the Women’s Sports Foundation College Advocacy Subcommittee.
“This is a remarkably bittersweet day,” said Morris. “I cannot put into words what the NEC has meant to me over the last 16 years. It has been my home, my family and my passion. While I’m incredibly excited about my next chapter with CWSA, it will be very hard to say goodbye to my exceptionally talented and loyal staff, as well as to the NEC membership which is united and committed to advancing the NEC into the next era.
“I would like to thank the NEC Presidents, ADs and SWAs for their unwavering support and faith in me to lead this incredible family. It has truly been an honor to work alongside such dedicated people who value the role that college athletics plays on our campuses. And finally, I would like to express my gratitude for the thousands of NEC student-athletes who have been a constant inspiration and guiding light throughout my NEC tenure.”
Quote from FDU's Mike Avaltroni, Chair, NEC Presidents
"Noreen has been an outstanding leader, advocate, colleague and friend. Her work as commissioner of the NEC for the past 16 years has left behind a legacy that is reflected both on and off the playing surfaces of the schools and teams she represents. She will be missed tremendously, but we are confident that the work and legacy of her leadership will continue for years to come. We wish her all the best as she begins to write the next chapter of her leadership story, and extend our deepest gratitude for the work she has done on the NEC’s behalf."
Quote from FDU's Brad Hurlbut, Chair, NEC Athletic Directors
“I speak on behalf of all of the athletic administrators and staff in thanking Noreen for her mentorship and unwavering support during her tenure as our Commissioner. Her strategic vision has set the NEC on a successful path for years to come. She led with integrity and we wish her nothing but success and happiness in this new endeavor.
“On a personal note, I have always been inspired by Noreen’s dedication and kindness, even during the most challenging of times. Her leadership has left a lasting impression on us all.”
Quote from CCSU's Amy Strickland, Chair, NEC SWAs
"Congratulations to Noreen on an incredible run leading the NEC. She has been a driving force in highlighting the importance of holistic development and supporting our student-athletes as people first. She has also played a key role in the growth of female administrators within the NEC and across the NCAA, helping ensure their voices are heard in the rooms where decisions are made. Noreen has made a lasting impact, and I am grateful for her mentorship and friendship.”
Quote from Ron Ratner, NEC Senior Associate Commissioner
"Noreen has meant so much to the NEC over the past 16 years, having guided the conference through change, challenges and many signature moments with her steady, positive leadership. She’s been incredibly loyal to her staff and the continuity within our office really speaks to the culture she’s built. Noreen has always believed in our student-athletes and in setting them up for success beyond their time in the NEC. She also has a great ability to bring people together and build consensus across the league. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside her for her entire tenure, and I wish her all the best in her next chapter with the CWSA. They’re getting a great leader."
About The Northeast Conference
Now in its 45th season, the NEC is an NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association consisting of ten institutions of higher learning located throughout six states. Media coverage of the NEC extends to a number of the largest markets in the United States including New York (#1), Chicago (#3), Boston (#9). Hartford/New Haven (#32) and Syracuse (#88). Founded in 1981 as the basketball-only ECAC Metro Conference, the NEC has grown to sponsor 25 championship sports for men and women and now enjoys automatic access to 16 different NCAA Championships. NEC full member institutions include Central Connecticut, Chicago State, FDU, Le Moyne, LIU, Mercyhurst, New Haven, Saint Francis U, Stonehill and Wagner. For more information on the NEC, visit the league’s official website (www.necsports.com) and digital network (www.necfrontrow.com), or follow the league on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, all @NECsports.