The NJIT Highlanders represent the New Jersey Institute of Technology in NCAA Division I athletics. Over the years, both NJIT Highlanders baseball and NJIT Highlanders basketball have built proud traditions, competing against strong programs nationwide. Their commitment to excellence reflects the university’s dedication to developing talented student-athletes and memorable moments in collegiate sports.
College Sports Established
1881
Location
Newark, New Jersey
College Name
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Collegiate History
2008 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2020 - Present / American East Conference
2015 - 2020 / ASUN Conference
2013 - 2015 / Independent
2008 - 2013 / Southland Conference
Nickname
Highlanders - The NJIT Highlanders have long been a source of pride and excitement for sports fans. But what exactly is the origin of their nickname? As it turns out, there’s quite a story behind it!
NJIT Highlanders Origin
The NJIT Highlanders were initially known as Newark College of Engineering (NCE). The school was founded in 1881 by Dr. John Witherspoon Scott and his son-in-law Henry Beadle to provide higher education for working men who could not afford college tuition. NCE’s first graduating class consisted entirely of engineers; its original name was “Newark College Of Engineers."
In 1976, NCE merged with Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey, to form the New Jersey Institute Of Technology (NJIT). At this time, students chose “Highlanders” as an appropriate nickname for their new school since both campuses had strong Scottish roots - many faculty members at that time had family ties to Scotland or were immigrants from Scotland themselves!
To further honor its Scottish heritage, NJIT adopted a tartan plaid design incorporating colors from each campus: red representing Upsala and blue representing Newark Engineering. This same tartan can be seen today on all official Highlander apparel, such as hats or jerseys worn by athletes competing on behalf of the university's teams! It has also become synonymous with everything related to NJIT athletics, including banners hung up around campus during game days, etcetera... So next time you see someone wearing Highlander gear, make sure you know why they are so proud - because they are partaking in something much bigger than just sport - they are celebrating history too!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1981
- 2006
- 2009
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Soccer Star: Chico Borja
Chico Borja was born in Quito, Ecuador on August 24, 1959. His family immigrated to the United States where he attended New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where Borja played on the men’s soccer team. At that time, NJIT played in the NCAA Division III. In 1980, his senior year, Borja was selected as a Division I First Team All ... -
Soccer Program Advancement
NJIT athletics moved to NCAA Division I, the top level of college athletics, in 2006. Prior to the reclassification of the athletic program, all teams competed at the Division II level. In the process of reclassification, both men’s and women’s soccer programs moved up to Division I faster than the other programs by taking advantage of a policy that allows ... -
Highlanders NCAA Recognition
NJIT athletics officially gained across-the-board active membership in NCAA Division I, beginning September 1, 2009. As a result of the latest action by the NCAA’s Division I Leadership Council, NJIT, its teams, and student-athletes will enjoy the full benefits of Division I membership, including eligibility for Division I postseason championship competition and the potential inclusion of Highlanders among the national ...
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NJIT Highlanders History
The NJIT Highlanders have a proud and evolving history in college athletics. Originating as the Newark College of Engineering (NCE) in 1881, the university laid the foundation for what would become one of the nation’s most recognized technological institutions. For over 135 years, the NJIT Highlanders have been part of collegiate sports, establishing rivalries with programs like the UMass Lowell River Hawks while building a loyal fan base.
Athletic competition at NJIT began in 1901 with a football team that played local colleges such as Rutgers and Princeton. Though early results were modest, this marked the start of a lasting sports tradition. By 1931, NCE officially became the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and began competing in NCAA Division III athletics. During this time, the NJIT Highlanders basketball and NJIT Highlanders baseball programs earned recognition with several league championships, setting the tone for future success.
Throughout the late 20th century, NJIT continued to expand its athletic offerings. The addition of men’s lacrosse in the 1990s and men’s volleyball in the early 2000s strengthened the program’s reach, while women’s sports like soccer, tennis, and softball gained prominence. These developments helped the NJIT Highlanders build a more diverse athletic profile, which eventually led to the move into the America East Conference.
The NJIT Highlanders basketball program has been a key highlight, earning national attention with postseason tournament appearances and steady improvement since moving to NCAA Division I status. Similarly, NJIT Highlanders baseball has developed a reputation for producing strong players, recording conference victories and challenging established programs in the region.
Highlanders Achievements
Among the most notable achievements, the NJIT Highlanders basketball team posted a historic upset in 2014 over a ranked opponent, drawing national headlines and elevating the school’s profile. In recent seasons, the NJIT Highlanders baseball team has also reached conference tournaments and produced standout student-athletes who excel both on the field and in academics.
Today, the NJIT Highlanders are recognized not only for athletic accomplishments but also for balancing competitive sports with rigorous academics. This tradition of excellence continues to inspire students, alumni, and fans, ensuring that the proud legacy of the NJIT Highlanders, from NJIT Highlanders basketball to NJIT Highlanders baseball and beyond, will thrive for generations to come.
Sports Fan Products
