New Valley Commissioner – Jeff Jackson

Former Player & Coach

(St. Louis, MO) – Jeff Jackson will become the tenth Valley commissioner and seems highly qualified to follow in Doug Elgin’s footsteps. Jackson is currently the Executive Associate Commissioner of the Big Twelve with his major responsibilities focusing on men’s basketball and the Big Twelve tournament.

Wednesday’s press gathering was short but informative. Mr. Jackson, UNI President Mark Nook and current Commissioner Doug Elgin each spoke about the league, the new commissioner and about the future.

(See our interview with Elgin after the announcement of his retirement)

Jackson has a background as a player, coach and television analyst and previously worked for the Big South Conference.

Before introducing Jackson, President Nook thanked retiring Commissioner Doug Elgin for his historic Missouri Valley Conference achievements.

 

 

Jackson thanked the Presidents’ Council and he too honored Mr. Elgin.

 

 

Why Jeff Jackson?

A national search firm was utilized by the Valley’s Presidents’ Council to find qualified candidates.  President Nook noted that Jackson has the unique qualities needed to continue to build upon the solid Missouri Valley Conference foundation.

“The three pieces that really hit home with me and the other presidents were his coaching background, his interaction with the NCAA as well as his administrative work with the Big Twelve. It helps us see that he’s got a wide and broad view of athletics at this level and a real deep understanding of those levels.”

Jackson was thrilled at the opportunity to connect with the Valley.

“The ability to have a chance to be involved with a conference of this magnitude especially in such a dynamic period of college athletics was too much of an opportunity to ignore,” said Jackson. “

While Elgin didn’t know Jackson well before the process, he has been duely impressed by his future replacement.

“I had met Jeff and worked with him and was very impressed with him,” said Elgin. “I knew his background and was very impressed how he ran the basketball side of the operation at the Big Twelve. We thought he would naturally be a candidate. Certainly, I’m thrilled at what he brings to the Missouri Valley. The coaching experience that he’s had is going to be invaluable.”

What’s Next?

Elgin remains the league’s Commissioner until July 1 and then Jackson will step into the role. Mr. Jackson says a big part of his job is to tell the Valley’s great story of success and student-athlete experiences.

“The Valley has a great story to be told,” said Jackson. “I think it is important every day in our office whether it’s from me or the people who work with us in the office that we’re consistently telling that story. Whether we’re telling it to student athletes, or whether we’re telling it to other institutions, or whether we are telling it in a promotional aspect. All those things are important in trying to move the needle in getting people to understand just how much of a unique experience the Valley can afford our student athletes.”

Elgin believes great days lie ahead.

“I think the handoff as we transition to new leadership is going to be a good one,” said Elgin. “I think we are at a state where we are rising as a conference. We’re  really looking forward to the new commissioner coming in  and taking over as the leader of this group.”

What About Expansion?

Expansion is on the minds of many Valley fans and commentators and Jackson does not shy away from the idea. He believes the league is in an enviable position where expansion is concerned.

 

 

Both Nook and Elgin stressed Jackson’s past as a player and a coach would help the league office connect with its student athletes in a greater way. His basketball experience in the Big Twelve and running its tournament is a plus. While his experience on several NCAA committees can only be seen in a truly positive light.

Do Good