June 5, 2007

DESTIN, Fla. - The annual meeting of the Conference USA Board of Directors concluded this afternoon in Destin, Fla., as the Board met with C-USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky and Executive Associate Commissioner Judy MacLeod.

R. Gerald Turner, President at Southern Methodist University and chairman of the board of directors, said, "We had highly productive meetings of our Presidents and are pleased with the progress we are making as a Conference."

The Board discussed a variety of topics, including continued support of the national academic reform agenda and related enhancements; non-conference scheduling in the sport of men's basketball; and the need for strong emphasis in sportsmanship. It was also reported that distribution of revenues was at its highest level since the conference was originally formed in 1995.

On the discussions about academic reform, Turner continued, "I think the Board has been encouraged by the early indications of change within the academic culture."

Banowsky and the Board also evaluated the first year of the new Bowl Championship Series model, while discussing future postseason football structures.

"We had great meetings and a helpful discussion of postseason football," Banowsky said. "It is clear that while we are comfortable with the changes recently implemented, we are open-minded as it relates to future changes if they are based on sound principles."