Sort of. Really doesn't say anything definitive.
From SB Nation:
SB Nation: Speaking of balance, West Virginia is a little unique in how geographically isolated they are compared to many of their conference peers. Are you aware of anyone expressing concerns over this, in how it relates to travel or anything else?
Dr. Gee: I think that obviously, after having been in the Big Ten and the SEC, where we were pretty compact, although during my time in the Big Ten we did add Nebraska, and then later Maryland and Rutgers. I view WVU as being very fortunate to be in the Big 12 because we defend the eastern border, we're in the Eastern Time Zone, and we have a great following from around this part of the world. WVU has always had an enormous following.
I've never heard any real concern expressed. I think initially, there was probably some concern expressed that we had abandoned some of our traditional rivals, like the University of Pittsburgh, but obviously, we're looking to reestablish some of those traditional relationships, as these things have straightened out. Would I like to have maybe another member of our conference in this part of the world? Probably so, but those are discussions that are going to take place, and certainly that is part of the consideration.
SB Nation: In those hypothetical conversations, the desire for a closer school is something you've mentioned to other university presidents?
Dr. Gee: Absolutely, and it has been mentioned to me.
SB Nation: Speaking of Big 12 expansion, University of Oklahoma president David Boren recently made headlines when he said that he felt the Big 12 was "psychologically disadvantaged" by only having ten teams. Do you personally agree with those comments?
Dr. Gee: President Boren is one of the real leaders in higher education and certainly one of the leaders in our conference. I certainly don't feel [the conference] is psychologically disadvantaged. I do think that having the name Big 12 with ten teams is, of course -- I was in the Big Ten when we had 11 teams -- and there is something to be said about that. I do think that the issue of conference expansion should be one that we talk about.
I will also say this, having been a part of larger conferences, that I do like the round robin format that we have. Obviously, our conference is also very healthy, from both a playing point of view, and obviously from a financial one. There are things to be said.
Now, of course, as a former Ohio State president, I was just absolutely delighted to see Ohio State win a national championship last year, but if TCU or whoever hadn't lost, you know, there could have been two Big 12 teams in the playoff. So you know what happens one year doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to happen every year.
http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/7/7/8907001/gordon-gee-cost-of-attendance-big-12-expansion-jim-tressel
From SB Nation:
SB Nation: Speaking of balance, West Virginia is a little unique in how geographically isolated they are compared to many of their conference peers. Are you aware of anyone expressing concerns over this, in how it relates to travel or anything else?
Dr. Gee: I think that obviously, after having been in the Big Ten and the SEC, where we were pretty compact, although during my time in the Big Ten we did add Nebraska, and then later Maryland and Rutgers. I view WVU as being very fortunate to be in the Big 12 because we defend the eastern border, we're in the Eastern Time Zone, and we have a great following from around this part of the world. WVU has always had an enormous following.
I've never heard any real concern expressed. I think initially, there was probably some concern expressed that we had abandoned some of our traditional rivals, like the University of Pittsburgh, but obviously, we're looking to reestablish some of those traditional relationships, as these things have straightened out. Would I like to have maybe another member of our conference in this part of the world? Probably so, but those are discussions that are going to take place, and certainly that is part of the consideration.
SB Nation: In those hypothetical conversations, the desire for a closer school is something you've mentioned to other university presidents?
Dr. Gee: Absolutely, and it has been mentioned to me.
SB Nation: Speaking of Big 12 expansion, University of Oklahoma president David Boren recently made headlines when he said that he felt the Big 12 was "psychologically disadvantaged" by only having ten teams. Do you personally agree with those comments?
Dr. Gee: President Boren is one of the real leaders in higher education and certainly one of the leaders in our conference. I certainly don't feel [the conference] is psychologically disadvantaged. I do think that having the name Big 12 with ten teams is, of course -- I was in the Big Ten when we had 11 teams -- and there is something to be said about that. I do think that the issue of conference expansion should be one that we talk about.
I will also say this, having been a part of larger conferences, that I do like the round robin format that we have. Obviously, our conference is also very healthy, from both a playing point of view, and obviously from a financial one. There are things to be said.
Now, of course, as a former Ohio State president, I was just absolutely delighted to see Ohio State win a national championship last year, but if TCU or whoever hadn't lost, you know, there could have been two Big 12 teams in the playoff. So you know what happens one year doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to happen every year.
http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/7/7/8907001/gordon-gee-cost-of-attendance-big-12-expansion-jim-tressel
