The Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) President’s Council has approved a new governance structure that recognizes the strong partnership between key multi-sport conferences and positions the league for continued success as the dominant conference in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
This agreement places Jeff Jackson as the commissioner of the MVFC. Jackson has served as Commissioner of the Missouri Valley Conference (the all-sport league for five MVFC members) since July 1, 2021. The agreement further places Josh Fenton as the Executive Advisor for the MVFC. Fenton has served as Commissioner of The Summit League (the all-sport league for four MVFC members) since April of 2023.
This change comes in preparation for the retirement of MVFC commissioner Patty Viverito on June 30, 2025. Viverito has been the league’s only commissioner, serving in that capacity for 40 years. Jackson will assume his duties as MVFC Commissioner on July 1, 2025.
“I eagerly anticipate working with the MVFC Presidents Council, Summit League Commissioner Josh Fenton, and the Athletic Directors of the MVFC,” says Commissioner Jeff Jackson. “This partnership will foster a mutually beneficial relationship between our two conferences, ensuring the continued success of the MVFC while establishing a stable framework for our membership. Our collective efforts will be instrumental in delivering an exceptional experience for student-athletes.”
“The Summit League and all its member institutions are excited for this new partnership with the Missouri Valley Conference to assist in the operations of the best FCS Football conference across the country,” says Fenton. “I look forward to working with Commissioner Jackson and his team to advance the interests of our football programs, while also continuing to build a strong Summit League.”
Viverito was the founding commissioner of the conference, which began as the Gateway Collegiate Athletic Conference and later changed to its current name. “After serving 40 fulfilling years as Commissioner, I am happy to turn the reins over to new leadership being confident the MVFC is both committed and equipped to continuing the pursuit of its unparalleled record of achievement in FCS on and off the field,” says Viverito.
The MVFC President’s Council unanimously approved a joint management model between the MVC and the Summit League. This creates a new governance and operating structure for the single-sport conference and adds the position of Chief Operating Officer, which will be advertised soon. The decision marks a significant step toward enhancing operational efficiency and brand growth while maintaining the MVFC’s status as a premier FCS conference.
“This restructuring ensures the continued success and stability of the MVFC,” says University of North Dakota President Andy Armacost, who is currently serving as the MVFC President’s Chair. “By streamlining our management and enhancing collaboration among member institutions across three conferences – the Summit League, the Missouri Valley Conference, and the Horizon League – we are positioning ourselves for sustained growth and continued national prominence.”
As part of the newly adopted structure, the MVFC will remain an independent legal entity, distinct from its member institutions’ multisport conferences. The updated governance model includes a board of directors, executive committee, athletic director council, joint council, head coach council, and student-athlete advisory council. The MVC and Summit League will play a role in administrative operations.
The MVFC includes 10 institutions: Illinois State, Indiana State, Murray State, North Dakota, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, South Dakota, South Dakota State, Southern Illinois, and Youngstown State.