DALLAS – The Conference USA Board of Directors conducted its annual summer meeting Monday, June 7, focusing on important national issues and conference activities. "Our summer Board meeting was highly productive as we considered initiatives to support the success of our institutions and student-athletes," Commissioner Judy MacLeod said. "Our Board's commitment to the strategic development of our league and its members is unwavering. I would like to thank Louisiana Tech President Dr. Les Guice for his outstanding leadership as Board Chair over the past two years and thank the entire Executive Committee for their tireless work and guidance throughout this challenging year."

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NCAA President Dr. Mark Emmert joined the group to provide updates on NCAA and national issues including Name, Image and Likeness.
 
The Board approved elimination of the intra-conference transfer rule, commended the work of the C-USA Social Action Committee in recognition of their outstanding leadership and the contributions of conference staff members, approved scheduling and championship formats for 2021-22 and awarded C-USA Jim Castañeda Postgraduate scholarships as follows:
 
Charlotte                                 Meredith Hamby, Women's Soccer
Florida Atlantic                       Erica Brok, Beach Volleyball
FIU                                           Julia Fiuza Moreira de Miranda, Women's Swimming
Louisiana Tech                       Ashley Channell, Women's Bowling
Marshall                                  Kyle Winquist, Men's Soccer
Middle Tennessee                  Peyton DePriest, Women's Soccer
North Texas                            Joseph Murray, Men's Basketball
Old Dominion                          Amanda Nhek, Women's Soccer
Rice                                          Mirella Baker, Women's Swimming
Southern Miss                         Tyler Lantz, Baseball
UAB                                          Jana Hecking, Women's Tennis
UTEP                                        Bryanna Molina, Softball
UTSA                                        Joshua Lamb, Baseball
WKU                                         Edward Jackson Swiney, Baseball
 
"The Board continues to provide strong, national leadership in advancing C-USA and competing at high levels while supporting the success, health and safety of our student-athletes," Dr. Guice said.
 
The Board also approved naming the C-USA Volleyball Player of the Year award after WKU four-time All-American Alyssa Cavanaugh, who passed in December 2020. Cavanaugh remains one of the most decorated players in WKU and C-USA history. Her illustrious career from 2014-17 includes an extensive list of accolades including C-USA's Michael L. Slive Female Athlete of the Year and C-USA Player of the Year twice.
 
A new slate of leadership was approved with North Texas President Dr. Neal Smatresk appointed Chair and WKU President Dr. Tim Caboni appointed Vice Chair of the Conference USA Board of Directors.
 
As his term on the Executive Committee comes to a close, the group acknowledged Southern Mississippi President Dr. Rodney Bennett's leadership, including serving as the Board Chair for two years (2017-18 and 2018-19).  Charlotte Chancellor Dr. Sharon Gaber was appointed to fill the spot vacated by Dr. Bennett and Marshall President Dr. Jerry Gilbert's term was extended. 
 
In addition, Old Dominion President-Elect Dr. Brian Hemphill was selected to represent Conference USA on the NCAA Presidential Forum beginning August 31, 2021.
 
About Conference USA
Conference USA is an NCAA Division I FBS athletic conference based in Dallas, Texas, that services 14 institutions of higher education – Charlotte, FIU, Florida Atlantic, Louisiana Tech, Marshall, Middle Tennessee, North Texas, Old Dominion, Rice, Southern Miss, UAB, UTEP, UTSA and WKU. Now in its third decade, Conference USA has adapted to the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics with an unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity and leadership in competition, academics and community.