'Bright future': Pac-12 announces new commissioner Teresa Gould
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The Pac-12 board of directors announced Monday that they have appointed a new commissioner for the conference.
Starting March 1, Teresa Gould will take on the role and in doing so will be the first-ever female commissioner of a Power 5 conference. She also takes the reigns at a time of serious evolution for the conference and all of college sports.
Speaking on her appointment, Kirk Schulz, Washington State University's President and chair of the Pac-12 board of directors, said that Gould's commitment to athletes as well as her deep knowledge make her suited for the role.
“Teresa’s deep knowledge of collegiate athletics and unwavering commitment to student-athletes makes her uniquely qualified to help guide the Pac-12 Conference during this period of unprecedented change in college sports,” said Washington State University President Kirk Schulz, chair of the Pac-12 Board of Directors. “As the first female commissioner of an Autonomy Five conference, Teresa will be able to bring new perspectives and fresh ideas to the table as the industry works to find its way through this shifting landscape. We look forward to her leadership as we write the next chapter in the Pac-12’s storied history."
Gould began working for the Pac-12 in 2018 and since then she has worked as a director of athletics, a campus senior administrator, and as a conference executive. She also served as Deputy Commissioner where she oversaw championship events and student-athlete engagements.
Gould shared in a statement that she is looking forward to the Pac-12's future and building a path to where the conference can thrive.
"I look forward to partnering with Oregon State and Washington State to secure a bright future for their student-athletes that allows them to compete at the highest level of college athletics while enjoying the benefits of a quality campus experience," Gould said. "Working in collaboration with their leadership and our talented staff, I am excited to build a pathway for the future that allows their programs to thrive."
Following the departure of every school in the conference except WSU and OSU, the Pac-12 is set to have a scheduling partnership with the Mountain West Conference for the 2024 season and they also have an affiliate agreement with the West Coast Conference.