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Dempsey's contract extended through 2001

"I appreciate the confidence and faith that the Joint Policy Board has in me," Dempsey said. "I look forward to serving the Association for the next five years."

Members of the Joint Policy Board referred to the NCAA's current restructuring as one reason for a contract extension at this time. The organization is scheduled to implement a new governance structure in August 1997.

"We are very pleased that Ced Dempsey has agreed to remain as the leader of the NCAA during this transition," said Samuel H. Smith, president of Washington State University and chair of the NCAA Presidents Commission. "It's important to have strong, visible leadership and to have stability in that leadership as we go through our restructuring."

"We felt that Ced's superb performance merited an extension of the contract," said NCAA President Eugene F. Corrigan, commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference. "He has been very creative in the ways that he has paid attention to the important aspects of the job of executive director. I'm glad we have his commitment for the next five years."

Dempsey reflected on what the position means to him.

"I remember my son asking when he was 12 what I thought my purpose in life was," he said. "In my answer I said I hoped to make a difference. I believe that I can make a difference for intercollegiate athletics, and this position makes that possible."

Dempsey took over as NCAA executive director on January 1, 1994. He previously was director of athletics at the University of Arizona.