Dupage Policy Journal

Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) is set to become the 10th member of the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW), following a unanimous vote by the league’s Council of Presidents on September 12. The university will join as a core member for the 2027-28 academic year.

“The CCIW is delighted to welcome Concordia University Wisconsin to our storied conference,” said John Swallow, Chair of the CCIW Council of Presidents and President of Carthage College. “We look forward to all that their student-athletes will bring to athletic competition and our intercollegiate community."

CUW, located in Mequon, Wisconsin, about 16 miles north of Milwaukee, was founded in 1881. It became an accredited four-year institution in 1978 and joined NCAA Division III in 1989. With an enrollment near 6,400 students—split evenly between undergraduate and graduate programs—the university offers nearly 130 academic programs.

"We are excited to officially welcome Concordia University Wisconsin to the CCIW beginning in 2027,” said Maureen Harty, CCIW Executive Director. "When we began the search for a new member, we were focused on finding an institution that aligned with our values – competitive success, academic achievement and strong commitment to Division III. From our very first interactions with the CUW administration and athletic staff, it was clear that the Falcons exemplify those qualities."

The Falcons sponsor a total of 30 sports: 25 NCAA sports, two emerging NCAA sports, and three non-NCAA sports. Of these, CUW sponsors teams in 22 out of the conference's current slate of 26 sports.

“This is an exciting new chapter in the life of our university,” said Dr. Erik Ankerberg, President of CUW. “Membership in the CCIW reflects Concordia’s deep commitment to excellence and to providing our student athletes with opportunities to compete and grow at the highest levels. The CCIW is an excellent fit for our mission, our size, and our aspirations.”

Since its founding in 2006, CUW has been a charter member of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC). Additionally, it has participated as an associate member in men’s wrestling within the CCIW since 2015. This move marks CUW as the first new core institution added since Carroll University rejoined after a long absence in 2016.

“Our coaches, student-athletes, and campus community are excited for this transition,” said Rob Barnhill, CUW Director of Athletics. “At the same time, we are profoundly appreciative of the NACC. The relationships and rivalries we’ve built there will always be an important part of our story.”

Founded in Jacksonville, Illinois in 1946, https://cciw.org/sports/2014/5/13/GEN_0513141742.aspx"CCIW" currently includes nine core institutions across Illinois and Wisconsin: Augustana College (Rock Island), Carroll University (Waukesha), Carthage College (Kenosha), Elmhurst University (Elmhurst), Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington), Millikin University (Decatur), North Central College (Naperville), North Park University (Chicago), and Wheaton College (Wheaton).

The conference sponsors competitions across https://cciw.org/sports/2020/11/20/GEN_1120205922.aspx"26 varsity sports", including baseball; men’s and women’s basketball; cross country; football; golf; lacrosse; soccer; volleyball; softball; swimming; tennis; indoor track & field; outdoor track & field; wrestling; and women’s bowling.

Collectively https://cciw.org/sports/2014/5/13/GEN_0513141742.aspx"CCIW institutions have won over five dozen national championships" at NCAA Division III level—including titles across men’s cross country, football, basketball both men's outdoor & indoor track & field events among others.

CUW's entry into full membership will coincide with what will be CCIW's https://cciw.org/news/2023/8/24/general-the-college-conference-of-illinois-wisconsin-celebrates-its-78th-season-in-2023-24.aspx"82nd season overall", marking another milestone for one of Division III's oldest conferences.