DALLAS – The Conference USA Board of Directors concluded its annual summer meeting on Monday, June 1st. “We had a very productive summer Board meeting examining many key initiatives to efficiently support our institutions while not compromising the student-athlete experience,” Commissioner Judy MacLeod said. “Our Board continues to display dedication toward improving our league and positioning Conference USA members strategically for the future. I would like to thank Louisiana Tech President, Dr. Les Guice, for his outstanding leadership as our Board.
Dr. Mark Emmert, NCAA President, advised the group on seminal NCAA governance topics and Dr. Brian Hainline, NCAA Chief Medical Officer, outlined key principles for return to play along with action plan considerations in the resocialization of collegiate sports.
“Our Board has been engaged and focused on the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, and fans as we consider adjustments and potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our athletics programs,” said Dr. Les Guice. “We have become a stronger Board through the past two months, and our Presidents remain committed to C-USA success through this crisis and beyond.”
The Board of Directors were also introduced to the league’s new C-USA Virtual Career Fair. This revolutionary conference led professional development initiative allows student-athletes from the entire conference membership an opportunity to meet employers and learn about available employment opportunities from high-profile and a diverse group of companies.
The Board approved the sites of the next three C-USA Baseball Championships. The 2021 Championship will be hosted by Louisiana Tech at its brand-new on-campus stadium in Ruston, Louisiana, May 26-30. In 2022, the event will return to Pete Taylor Park in Hattiesburg, Mississippi from May 25-29, marking the seventh time Southern Miss has held the championship on its campus. The 2023 Championship will take place at Reckling Park in Houston, with Rice scheduled to host from May 24-28.
The group also extended the term of Marshall University President, Dr. Jerry Gilbert, to serve as the Vice-Chair, while announcing the appointment of UTSA’s Taylor Eighmy to serve on the Executive Committee. Eighmy replaces retiring Charlotte President Dr. Phil Dubois, who was recognized for his many years of outstanding contributions. University of North Texas President, Dr. Neal Smatresk, Southern Miss President, Dr. Rodney Bennett, and Western Kentucky University President, Dr. Tim Caboni, join the Chair, Louisiana Tech President, Dr. Les Guice, to comprise the remainder of the Executive Committee.
