Elmhurst, Ill. (July 15, 2005) ???C Oakland University???s Director of Athletics, Jack Mehl, has been appointed as the interim Commissioner of the Mid-Continent Conference the league announced today. The appointment is effective immediately. Mehl, entering his 11th year as the head of the Oakland athletics department, was appointed by the Executive Committee to replace Ron Bertovich, who resigned on Monday, on an interim basis. Mehl, who will not be a candidate for the Commissioner???s position, will oversee conference operations until a new conference Commissioner is named. He is the immediate past Chair of the Mid-Continent Conference Joint Council. ???There were a number of important initiatives begun under Ron Bertovich???s tenure and we hope to keep that momentum going during the next 90 days,??? Mehl said. Dr. Richard Roberts, President of Oral Roberts University and Chair of the Mid-Con Presidents Council said ???We are fortunate to have Jack and his experience and expertise to lead us during this important transition period.???