DALLAS – In conjunction with officially welcoming its new members, Conference USA concluded Spring Meetings with its Board of Directors, Athletics Directors, Senior Woman Administrators, Faculty Athletic Representatives and Head Coaches for football and men’s and women’s basketball. Meetings were highlighted by the enactment of a comprehensive conference mental health education program, expansion of the student-athlete voice in the governance structure, presentation of new multimedia partnerships increasing membership exposure and consideration of national policy issues which included a session with NCAA President, Charlie Baker.
“We are excited to officially welcome our new members on July 1, as we embark on the next chapter for our league,” Conference USA Commissioner Judy MacLeod said. “We look forward to another outstanding year of highly competitive programs within our conference and building upon our strong foundation of success.”
The groups were also introduced to the league’s upcoming launch and brand refresh scheduled for July 1, 2023. The conference rebranding initiative will recognize and promote the achievements of the newly constituted membership of FIU, Jacksonville State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, New Mexico State, Sam Houston, UTEP, WKU and Kennesaw State University.
The framework for the league’s continued success was advanced with the appointment of Jacksonville State University President, Dr. Don Killingsworth being named to the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. President Killingsworth is joined on the Executive Committee by Western Kentucky University President, Dr. Tim Caboni (Chair); Sam Houston State University President, Dr. Alisa White (Vice Chair); Middle Tennessee State University President and NCAA Division I Board of Directors representative, Dr. Sidney McPhee and with Florida International University President, Dr. Kenneth Jessell.
Additionally, the group reviewed conference data elements to inform and enhance competitive achievement in the national landscape, discussed the importance of education around sports wagering, approved the 2023 Conference USA Hall of Fame class and considered strategic initiatives to best position the membership for continued long term success.
Conference USA is an NCAA Division I conference championing success in college athletics through dedicated leadership, dynamic partnership, and diverse membership. Founded in 1995 and based in Dallas, CUSA is home to nine schools: FIU, Jacksonville State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee, New Mexico State, Sam Houston, UTEP, and WKU. Kennesaw State joins the league in 2024.
