WHEELING, W.Va. - Wheeling Jesuit University (WJU) will join the newly established Mountain East Conference (MEC). WJU will be one of twelve institutions that will serve as charter members of the athletic conference.

The Mountain East Conference will have members in West Virginia, Ohio and Virginia. The full list of charter members includes: Wheeling Jesuit University, Concord University, Fairmont State, Glenville State College, Notre Dame College, Shepherd University, University of Charleston, University of Virginia's College at Wise, Urbana University, West Liberty University, West Virginia State, and West Virginia Wesleyan College.

WJU President Rick Beyer announced the University's move to join the Mountain East Conference today. President Beyer said: "This is the right move at the right time for Wheeling Jesuit University. We will be in a conference with other institutions whose values and priorities are similar to ours. We also believe this will be one of the most competitive Division II conferences in the country. Our students will continue to excel in the classroom and in their chosen sport."

WJU Director of Athletics, Danny Sancomb, was pleased with the change. "This is a great opportunity for our student-athletes. Like WJU, the other charter members understand the need for academic integrity and competitive challenge. I look forward to our teams competing in the Mountain East Conference."

The Mountain East Conference will go into effect for the 2013-14 academic year. 

For more information please follow the official Mountain East Conference release here.