University officials announced Monday that Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard received a two-year contract extension that puts him under contract until June 30, 2012.

“Serving this institution is an honor and my family is enthused and appreciative to be a part of the Cyclone family,” Pollard said.

Pollard was in the second year of his original five-year deal, and said he had stressed in conversations with Iowa State President Gregory Geoffroy that an extension “was the most important adjustment” that he could make to his contract.

“We have a great deal more work to do and I appreciate the confidence and support that he has given to me personally in our efforts to improve the academic, competitive and entertainment aspects of the Iowa State Athletics Department,” Pollard said.

Pollard has made waves as Athletic Director since taking over in 2005. He has replaced three Iowa State coaches, and has at times taken radical steps to try and change the athletic culture at Iowa State.

He also helped to sell a school record of almost 33,000 season tickets for the 2007 ISU football season, and has plans for $135 million worth in improvements to athletic facilities at Iowa State.

Pollard’s positive visions for the future of Iowa State’s athletics had a large part in the decision by Iowa State to extend his contract.

“His leadership and decision making skills have strategically positioned our athletics program to make significant improvements,” Geoffroy said. “He is nationally recognized and respected as one of the top visionaries in college athletics and we’re truly appreciative of the remarkable transformations that have already taken place and equally excited about our future under Jamie’s leadership.”