Oct. 10, 2008

IRVING, Texas - The Conference USA Board of Directors voted unanimously today to extend the contract of C-USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky through 2013.

Dr. R. Gerald Turner, President at Southern Methodist University and Chair of the C-USA Board, said, "Britton has navigated this league through a major transitional period, which included the realignment of membership. Under his leadership, Conference USA has preserved a prominent place among the landscape of major college athletics and the membership continues to benefit from the principles he brings to the position."

Banowsky, 48, is currently beginning his seventh year as Commissioner of Conference USA, taking the reins on October 28, 2002, of a league that is focused on excellence in athletics, academics and community. Under his direction, Conference USA has maintained a solid foundation, developed a strong identity and reinforced its position in college athletics.

Banowsky also led Conference USA into long-term agreements with CBS College Sports and ESPN, secured bowl berths for six C-USA football teams along with maintaining BCS opportunities. Additionally, C-USA schools have enjoyed an annual increased revenue distribution during his tenure.

"It remains a privilege to serve our universities and I am so appreciative of the continued support from our Presidents and Chancellors," Banowsky said. "We have a special group of administrators, coaches and student-athletes in this conference and we are truly excited about the future."

Banowsky has served in numerous national leadership roles, including the NCAA Committee on Infractions, the NCAA Committee on Academic Performance and the NCAA Division I Management Council.

Conference USA is made up of 12 nationally-prominent universities - East Carolina University, University of Houston, Marshall University, University of Memphis, Rice University, Southern Methodist University, University of Southern Mississippi, Tulane University, The University of Tulsa, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), University of Central Florida (UCF) and University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Conference USA is headquartered in Irving, Texas, and sponsors competition in 19 sports - nine for men (baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, tennis and indoor and outdoor track & field) and 10 for women (basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field and volleyball).