Las Vegas, Nev. (March 8) ----- New Mexico State University President and President of the Western Athletic Conference Board of Directors Barbara Couture announced  that WAC Senior Associate Commissioner Jeff Hurd has been offered and accepted the position of WAC Interim Commissioner, effective immediately.

"We are delighted that Jeff has accepted this position," Couture said. "As Interim Commissioner, Jeff will provide oversight of the day to day internal management of the conference and work with the WAC Board of directors, the WAC athletic directors, and an external consultant to help formulate a plan for the future of the WAC.  He brings continuity to the conference and is extremely loyal to the WAC.

Hurd joined the WAC staff in 1985, and serves as senior associate commissioner for external affairs.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to be WAC Interim Commissioner," Hurd said. "I realize that there are challenges ahead but I'm optimistic about the future of the conference and I'm very much looking forward to working with the Board of Directors."

Hurd oversees the conference's communications and television operation, is responsible for team sport scheduling and aids in the administration of men's team sports. Previously, he was the director of public relations for the Missouri Valley Conference for seven years and the sports information director at Tulsa for three years. Hurd is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. 

"The WAC Board of Directors will continue efforts to move to a permanent appointment of a Commissioner and has decided to hire an external consultant to assist with a dynamic strategic planning process," Couture added. "The goal is to advance the WAC with a dynamic plan that will build a strong future for the member teams."