A Strategic Appointment for College Football Governance
University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel has been chosen to represent the Mountain West Conference on the College Football Playoff (CFP) Board of Managers, a body that steers the future of postseason college football.
The CFP Board of Managers holds exclusive authority over major decisions, from governance structures to budget allocations, making the role a pivotal one for conference representation.
Hensel expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, emphasizing that student‑athletes must remain at the center of every decision. “I am excited to help shape the future of college athletics,” she said.
Rich Clark, Executive Director of the CFP, praised Hensel’s extensive experience and her commitment to higher education and student‑athlete success, noting that her leadership will strengthen the board’s perspective.
Hensel recently added another layer to her portfolio by joining the Mountain West Board of Directors and the conference’s Executive Committee, underscoring her growing influence within the league.
Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez highlighted Hensel’s leadership abilities and her dedication to student‑athlete achievement, calling the appointment a natural progression for a leader of her caliber.
The University of Hawaiʻi will officially become a full member of the Mountain West Conference on July 1, 2026, positioning UH Mānoa as the state’s sole NCAA Division I athletics program that sponsors 21 varsity sports and supports roughly 500 student‑athletes.
Implications for the Mountain West and Beyond
Hensel’s seat on the CFP Board is expected to amplify the Mountain West’s voice in national collegiate athletics discussions, potentially influencing scheduling, playoff selection criteria, and conference-wide initiatives.
Her background in university administration and prior service on the Mountain West Executive Committee equips her to bridge academic priorities with athletic ambitions, a balance that many stakeholders view as essential for the conference’s continued growth.