David Miles is president of the Board of Regents, the nine-member board which governs the three state-supported universities in Iowa. Those three universities are the University of Iowa, which participates in Big Ten athletics; Iowa State University, which participates in Big 12 athletics; and the University of Northern Iowa, which is in the Missouri Valley conference (the Panther football team plays in NCAA Division I).
Miles has issued a statement today (Saturday) about the conference reallignment hullabaloo. Read it below.
Statement by President Miles on Nebraska’s Move from the Big 12 to the Big Ten
The State of Iowa has three great public universities. Today the university most on our minds is Iowa State University. With the departure of two schools from the Big 12 Conference in as many days, we share the concerns of Iowans across our state with respect to the potential impact on ISU.
The Board of Regents is extremely proud of Iowa State. It is an outstanding academic and research institution with a proud history of student-athletes succeeding in the classroom and in competition. And, the Board has every confidence in the leadership of President Geoffroy and Athletic Director Pollard as the institution navigates what is obviously a very challenging period for Iowa State.
The University of Nebraska will be a solid addition to the Big Ten Conference. Still, its decision increases the pressure on the Big 12 and adds to the challenges facing Iowa State. Whether the Big 12 stays together depends upon decisions that will be made by each of its member institutions. As Iowa State evaluates its options, this Board will work closely with President Geoffroy and Athletic Director Pollard to achieve the best possible outcome for ISU athletics.
All Iowans, not just Cyclone fans, have a stake in the continued success of Iowa State University. On behalf of the Board I want to thank all of those who have contacted us to communicate their support for Iowa State and to share their suggestions. Your continued support for Iowa State in the weeks and months ahead will be crucial.
Despite the challenges of the moment, we remain confident that Iowa State’s best days lie ahead – in the classroom, in the research lab, and on the field of athletic competition.
About O.Kay Henderson
Kay is a founding member of the Radio Iowa network newsroom. In 1994, she became the network’s news director. She’s a featured reporter and commentator on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press,” and the 2002 recipient of the Shelley Award.
Recent Comments