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Conference USA was formed in 1995 and quickly emerged as one of the nation's top conferences. The conference unveiled its name, logo and commissioner on April 24, 1995 in Chicago. The league's charter members included Charlotte, Cincinnati, DePaul, Houston, Louisville, Marquette, Memphis, Saint Louis, Southern Miss, Tulane, UAB and USF. Eleven of the institutions began athletic participation in 1995, while Houston joined competition in the fall of 1996.

The league's headquarters were established in Chicago and after nine years, relocated to the current office in Irving, Texas. Britton Banowsky was named Commissioner in October 2002, succeeding Mike Slive, the league's first commissioner.

C-USA added East Carolina (September, 1996) and the United States Military Academy (March, 1997) as football members. ECU began league competition in 1997; Army in 1998 and UAB began football play in 1999. The league added TCU and ECU (1999) for all sports and they began competition in 2001. USF started C-USA football in 2003.

After celebrating its 10th Anniversary during the 2004-05 season, C-USA began a new chapter in 2005-06 when its current membership came together to form the new look of the league.

Since its formation, C-USA has established a strong foundation, an identity and a history that reflects the league's national presence. Twelve years of remarkable history has reinforced the league's position in collegiate athletics, setting the course for the next decade and beyond.

Conference USA joins the WBCA in support of THINK PINK 2008, an initiative to raise breast cancer awareness in women's basketball, on campuses and in communities. C-USA is hosting a Think Pink Auction, beginning February 11, on conferenceusa.com. Proceeds will be donated to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund. You're invited to browse through a selection of items specifically gathered for this special auction. Bid on any and all items that interest you during the auction. Proceeds from the items you buy will support the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund. Conference USA thanks you for taking action for a cure!

By conferenceusa at 2007-08-21

East Carolina
Location: Greenville, NC
Founded: 1907
Enrollment: 25,990
Nickname: Pirates
Colors: Purple and Gold
Member Since: 1996

Houston
Location: Houston, Texas
Founded: 1927
Enrollment: 35,400
Nickname: Cougars
Colors: Scarlet and White, with Navy trim
Member Since: 1996

Marshall
Location: Huntington, W. Va.
Founded: 1837
Enrollment: 16,326
Nickname: Thundering Herd
Colors: Green and White
Member Since: 2005

Memphis
Location: Memphis, Tenn.
Founded: 1912
Enrollment: 20,562
Nickname: Tigers
Colors: Blue and Gray
Member Since: 1995

Rice
Location: Houston, Texas
Founded: 1912
Enrollment: 5,008
Nickname: Owls
Colors: Blue and Gray
Member Since: 2005

SMU
Location: Dallas, Texas
Founded: 1911
Enrollment: 10,901
Nickname: Mustangs
Colors: Red and Blue
Member Since: 2005

Southern Miss
Location: Hattiesburg, Miss.
Founded: 1910
Enrollment: 15,000
Nickname: Golden Eagles
Colors: Black and Gold
Member Since: 1995

Tulane
Location: New Orleans, La.
Founded: 1834
Enrollment: 10,606
Nickname: Green Wave
Colors: Olive Green and Sky Blue
Member Since: 1995

Tulsa
Location: Tulsa, Okla.
Founded: 1894
Enrollment: 4,100
Nickname: Golden Hurricane
Colors: Old Gold, Royal Blue, Crimson
Member Since: 2005

UAB
Location: Birmingham, Ala.
Founded: 1969
Enrollment: 16,697
Nickname: Blazers
Colors: Forest Green and Old Gold
Member Since: 1995

UCF
Location: Orlando, Fla.
Founded: 1963
Enrollment: 48,897
Nickname: Knights
Colors: Black and Gold
Member Since: 2005

UTEP
Location: El Paso, Texas
Founded: 1914
Enrollment: 20,000
Nickname: Miners
Colors: Dark Blue, Orange and Silver accent
Member Since: 2005