BIG EAST Conference
Chris Schneider is an experienced sports administrator currently serving as Executive Associate Commissioner for Sport Administration and Championships at the BIG EAST Conference since September 2013, following previous roles as Senior Associate Commissioner and Associate Commissioner for Olympic Sports. Prior to this, Chris held the position of Senior Associate Director of Athletics at The Ohio State University from August 2006 to September 2013, overseeing ten teams and serving as Commissioner of the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association. Earlier experience includes serving as Assistant Director of Championships for the NCAA from 2001 to 2006, and Assistant Director of Events in Athletic Ticketing at The Ohio State University from 1999 to 2001. Chris Schneider holds a Master's degree in Sport Administration from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor's degree in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management from Bowling Green State University.
BIG EAST Conference
Headquartered in New York City, the BIG EAST Conference is comprised of Butler University, Creighton University, DePaul University, Georgetown University, Marquette University, Providence College, St. John's University, Seton Hall University, Villanova University and Xavier University. The BIG EAST institutions are located in seven of the nation's top 35 largest media markets, including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Cincinnati. The brainchild of former Providence College men's basketball coach and athletic director Dave Gavitt, the BIG EAST Conference became a reality on May 31, 1979, as Providence, St. John's, Georgetown, Syracuse, Seton Hall, Connecticut and Boston College formed the original seven-school alliance. While the membership has evolved, the focus of the BIG EAST has not wavered. The conference reflects a tradition of broad-based programs, led by administrators and coaches who place a steadfast emphasis on academic integrity. The league has long been considered a leader in innovative concepts in promotion and publicity, particularly regarding television. Those efforts have resulted in unparalleled visibility for the conference and BIG EAST student-athletes. BIG EAST student-athletes sport significantly high graduation rates, and the league has always been able to boast that many of its best students are also its best athletes.