Amid rumors about the future of the Big 12, ISU President Gregory Geoffroy and Athletics Director Jamie Pollard sent this letter to address re-alignment concerns that resulted from discussions at the Big 12 spring meetings in Kansas City.

Dear Cyclone alumni, fans and friends of the University,

This week, we participated in the Big 12 Conference spring meetings in which a major topic of discussion was potential conference re-alignment. With the immense speculation and media attention given to this issue, we felt it was important for you to hear directly from us. 

We believe the Big 12 Conference is the perfect fit for Iowa State University.  We are committed to our membership in the Big 12, and we are optimistic that the conference will remain intact.  However, we also recognize that the long-term viability of the Big 12 Conference is not in our control – it is in the hands of just a few of our fellow member institutions.

Iowa State and several other members of the Big 12 Conference are especially vulnerable under some of the re-alignment scenarios currently circulating, particularly one involving expansion of the Pac-10.  We are doing everything in our power to represent the best interests of Iowa State in these discussions, but we also are sensitive to the huge uncertainty that has been created and recognize that the situation could evolve in directions that are not aligned with our interests. 

We understand and share your concerns about Iowa State athletics and the Big 12 Conference.  We are still optimistic that the Big 12 will remain intact and continue to be one of our nation’s premier athletics conferences, but we must be ready to act if that does not prove to be the case. We will keep in touch as the situation unfolds, and we appreciate your understanding.

Go Cyclones!

Dr. Gregory Geoffroy

President

Jamie Pollard

Director of Athletics

More on the Big 12 conference in Kansas City and its future here and here and here.