Big 12 Conference Board of Directors chairman and University of Missouri chancellor Dr. Brady Deaton has announced the three-year contract extension of Commissioner Dan Beebe.

Beebe's original five-year contract, signed upon his appointment to the post in September 2007, was set to expire in 2012.  With this extension, he now remains under contract until June 30, 2015.

"Dan Beebe has been an outstanding leader for the Big 12 Conference during very challenging times, including our transition to 10 teams," said Dr. Deaton.  "The board feels that he has performed well beyond his job description under extraordinary conditions."

The third commissioner in the 15-year history of the Big 12 Conference, Beebe stated, "I am honored to be given the opportunity to continue leading the Conference, and am grateful to the presidents and chancellors of the Conference for their commitment to me and the long-term vitality of the Big 12.  The events of the summer have solidified the bond among our membership, and I look forward to addressing the exciting opportunities that await the Big 12 Conference."

Beebe joined the Big 12 in February 2003 as the senior associate commissioner and chief operating officer following a 14-year stint as commissioner of the Ohio Valley Conference.  During his first three years at the helm of the Big 12, Beebe has enjoyed eight national championships and five teams in the Bowl Championship Series in addition to numerous individual NCAA crowns.

Off the field, he guided league institutions to a continuation of their revenue sharing model which returned a record $139-million back to its membership this past year.  He also represents the Big 12 on the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee and the Executive Committee of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.