From the Conference USA web site:
11.4.2003
Conference USA Adds Five New Members; Commissioner Discusses Future Plans
Marshall University, Rice University, Southern Methodist University (SMU), the University of Tulsa and the University of Central Florida (UCF), have officially entered into membership agreements with Conference USA, Commissioner Britton Banowsky announced today.
“We are excited about adding new members and making structural improvements to Conference USA,†Banowsky said. “This is an opportunity for us to tighten our geography, group similar institutions together, create a divisional model, and possibly stage a football championship game. It will be very exciting to watch this league grow and develop.â€
“The Presidents and Chancellors of Conference USA universities are pleased to announce these five distinguished institutions have joined C-USA,†Dr. Shirley Raines, chair of Conference USA’s Board of Directors, said. “Known as a conference with exciting competition and nationally-recognized coaches, five new universities are joining other institutions committed to development of their student athletes, athletic programs, facilities and competition at the highest levels.â€
CONFERENCE USA.COM: The Official Press Release (in its entirety)