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!
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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History of the Highlanders
NJIT began competing athletically in 1901, forming a football team against local colleges such as Rutgers and Princeton. Although they were unsuccessful on the field, this marked the beginning of a proud tradition at NCE—athletics! In 1931, NCE officially changed its name to New Jersey Institute Of Technology (NJIT), which also marked its entry into NCAA Division III competition, where it quickly established itself as one of the top teams in all divisions with several championships won throughout various sports including basketball, baseball, and soccer.
Over time, NJIT's athletic program grew with additions like lacrosse during the late 90s, followed by men's volleyball shortly after 2000. During this period, women’s programs were expanded significantly, making them competitive across multiple sports such as tennis, soccer & softball. The success achieved by these teams led them into America East Conference, where they still compete today alongside other primary schools from around the east coast region.
With so much success over the past century, it should come as no surprise why many consider themselves die-hard fans who proudly support their beloved Highlanders every step along the way! So if you want some great college sporting action, check out the next game featuring our unique NJ IT highlander!
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