Big East Commissioner Mike Tranghese will step down from his position effective June 30, 2009.
“I have been privileged to work with outstanding Presidents and athletic directors for nearly 30 years,” said Tranghese. “Looking back to when Dave Gavitt created the conference, it is truly amazing how far we have come.”
Tranghese succeeded Gavitt as Commissioner on June 21, 1990 after 11 years of service to the Big East, the previous nine years as associate commissioner. During his tenure as Commissioner, Tranghese has guided the league to its current 16-team alignment, the largest in the NCAA Division I.
Shortly after being named Commissioner, Tranghese directed and oversaw the creation of BIG EAST football, which began competition in 1991. His leadership helped the Big East become a charter member of the Bowl Championship Series.
“I believe our conference is undergoing an unprecedented period of success,” Tranghese said. “Our basketball conference does not have to take a back seat to anyone and our football has progressed so quickly. Our Olympic sports are stronger than ever. And I believe everything is in place for the Big East to be even better in the future.”