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Retiring Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart won't take new high-paying role at school

Retiring Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart won't take new high-paying role at school

Retiring Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart won’t take on a new high-paying role at the school after all
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Twitter reactions to Mitch Barnhart stepping down from new admin position

Twitter reactions to Mitch Barnhart stepping down from new admin position

Kentucky fans and media speak their mind regarding Mitch Barnhart’s job news.
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Governor Beshear Criticizes University of Kentucky's Decision-Making Amid Athletics Department Changes

Governor Beshear Criticizes University of Kentucky's Decision-Making Amid Athletics Department Changes

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has expressed concerns over the University of Kentucky's recent decision-making, particularly regarding the athletics department. Beshear's statement follows the announcement that Mitch Barnhart, the longest-serving athletic director in the Southeastern Conference, will retire and assume a new role at the university. This role, paying $950,000 annually, has been criticized for lacking defined duties. Beshear also questioned the hiring of a new dean of law, who was not recommended by the law school faculty. The governor's concerns reflect broader unease about potential donor influence and the direction of the university's sports programs.
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Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart Withdraws from $1M Retirement Role Amid Criticism

Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart Withdraws from $1M Retirement Role Amid Criticism

Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhart Withdraws from $1M Retirement Role Amid Criticism
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Governor Beshear Criticizes University of Kentucky's Decision on Athletic Director's New Role

Governor Beshear Criticizes University of Kentucky's Decision on Athletic Director's New Role

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has expressed concerns over the University of Kentucky's decision-making following the announcement of a new role for Mitch Barnhart, the outgoing athletic director. Barnhart, who is retiring from his current position, has been appointed as the executive-in-residence for the UK Sport and Workforce Initiative, a role that will pay him $950,000 annually until August 2030. Governor Beshear criticized the lack of defined duties for this new position and raised issues about the university's hiring practices, including the appointment of a new dean of law who was not recommended by the faculty. Beshear's statement reflects a growing concern about the influence of donors and external pressures on the university's decisions.
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2025 AD of the Year Jeramiah Dickey is a candidate for Kentucky, per report

2025 AD of the Year Jeramiah Dickey is a candidate for Kentucky, per report

Boise State’s Athletic Director could be a candidate for the Kentucky AD job.
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Kentucky Governor Criticizes University of Kentucky's Athletic Decisions Amid Concerns

Kentucky Governor Criticizes University of Kentucky's Athletic Decisions Amid Concerns

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has publicly criticized the University of Kentucky's decision-making, particularly regarding the appointment of retiring athletic director Mitch Barnhart to a new position with a $1 million salary but no defined duties. Beshear's comments come at a challenging time for the university's athletics, which have been underperforming in major sports. The governor also expressed concerns about the hiring of a new dean of law who was not recommended by the faculty, suggesting potential undue influence from donors. Beshear urged the university community to attend board meetings and ask critical questions.
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Public Pressure Challenges Mitch Barnhart's Retirement Deal at University of Kentucky

Public Pressure Challenges Mitch Barnhart's Retirement Deal at University of Kentucky

Mitch Barnhart, the longest-tenured power conference athletic director, announced his retirement, with plans to transition into a new role as 'Executive in Residence for the UK Sports and Workforce Initiative.' This position would provide Barnhart with a $950,000 annual salary, including benefits, until 2030. However, the role's lack of defined duties has sparked public criticism. Prominent figures, including UK booster Brett Setzer and Governor Andy Beshear, have expressed concerns over the decision-making at the University of Kentucky. The UK Board of Trustees is set to meet, with speculation that Barnhart's deal might be reconsidered due to mounting public pressure.
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University of Kentucky Faces Controversy Over Law School Dean Appointment

University of Kentucky Faces Controversy Over Law School Dean Appointment

The University of Kentucky is embroiled in controversy following the appointment of Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove as the new dean of its law school. Despite a 'substantial majority' of the law faculty expressing that Van Tatenhove was 'unacceptable' for the role, the university proceeded with his appointment. The faculty's concerns stem from Van Tatenhove's lack of scholarly qualifications and administrative experience, which they argue do not meet the university's advertised job requirements. The decision has drawn criticism from faculty members and has involved Kentucky's governor, who questioned the university's decision-making process. The controversy also raises issues regarding the university's adherence to American Bar Association (ABA) accreditation standards, which require a dean to hold tenure and be a tenured law professor.
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Gov. Beshear questions University of Kentucky decision-making after Barnhart’s $950,000 job

Gov. Beshear questions University of Kentucky decision-making after Barnhart’s $950,000 job

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear questioned the decision-making at the University of Kentucky amid a fraught period for the school’s athletics department
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Andy Beshear calls out University of Kentucky over Mitch Barnhart golden parachute deal

Andy Beshear calls out University of Kentucky over Mitch Barnhart golden parachute deal

The Kentucky Governor is “losing confidence and growing increasingly concerned” with how UK is being run.
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Kentucky Governor Criticizes University of Kentucky's Athletic Decisions Amidst Turbulent Times

Kentucky Governor Criticizes University of Kentucky's Athletic Decisions Amidst Turbulent Times

Kentucky Governor Criticizes University of Kentucky's Athletic Decisions Amidst Turbulent Times