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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Andrea Williams named Big Sky commissioner

Andrea Williams (Courtesy of Big Ten)

The Big Sky Conference is making big news this week.

On Thursday it was the return of Idaho as a football member; on Friday the conference announced the hiring of its first female commissioner.

Andrea Williams, who has competed and administered at the top level of intercollegiate sports, will take over on July 1 for the retiring Doug Fullerton, the conference announced Friday.

“I’m thrilled to have been selected as the next commissioner of the Big Sky Conference, and I’m excited to guide the league into the next era of academic and athletic achievement,” said Williams, who has spent the last decade as an associate commissioner in the Big Ten Conference.

In that capacity, the 41-year-old Williams has been in charge of football and basketball operations for the Big Ten.

“We are thrilled Andrea has agreed to be the next commissioner,” said Scott Wyatt, president of Southern Utah and chair of the President’s Council of the Big Sky Conference, which selected Williams.

“She will bring new energy and vision to the conference as we continue to grow,” Wyatt said.

Williams played volleyball and basketball at Texas A&M from 1992 to 1997.

“I believe in the collegiate model and the benefit sport and academics plays in the lives of young adults,” Williams said.

“As a former championship student athlete herself, we are confident she will help us focus on the student experience, while still increasing our competitiveness,” Wyatt said.

Williams is the past president of the Collegiate Event and Facility Managers Association. She also volunteers at several major events such as the CFP National Championship Game, Super Bowl and Transplant Games of America.

“Andrea has made a substantial impact during her time at the Big Ten Conference,” said Big Ten commissioner James Edward Delany.

Earlier this month, Williams earned a master’s degree in sports administration from Ohio University.

Fullerton, who has served as the Big Sky’s commissioner for 20 years, announced his intentions to retire on Feb. 10.