Committee Formed to Examine Best Practices in Athletics

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 29, 2011) — University of Kentucky Board of Trustees Chairman Britt Brockman Tuesday announced the formation of a committee to examine best practices in the governance and organization of intercollegiate athletics.

The 10-person committee -- composed of a cross-section of board members, faculty, administration and community leaders -- will examine best practices at institutions in the Southeastern Conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference and UK's benchmark institutions.

"We have an outstanding athletics program that has made tremendous progress in the last 10 years under Mitch Barnhart and President Todd," Brockman said. "But it is important, at the same time, to examine and evaluate other programs of excellence for ideas and ways we can continue to improve. We should on a regular basis undertake such an analysis and examination. That's the purpose of this committee."

Brockman said there is no definitive timetable for the committee to report, although he said he expected the group to take several months and involve the input of UK's new president. Current UK President Lee T. Todd Jr. announced in September that he would retire in June after 10 years at the helm of his alma mater. The board hopes to name a new president in May, who would officially begin in July.

Brockman and Todd will both serve as ex-officio members of the committee. Committee members include:

• Terry Mobley, chair of the committee and current UK board member. Mobley is a former university vice president of external relations and interim athletics director;
• Keith Gannon, board member;
• Bill Gatton, board member;
• Frank Shoop, board member;
• Billy Joe Miles, board member;
• Scott Smith, dean, College of Agriculture;
• Lionel Williamson, professor, College of Agriculture;
• Joseph L. Fink, professor, College of Pharmacy, faculty athletics representative
• Mira Ball, former chair of UK Board of Trustees;
• Jim Hardymon, former chair of UK Board of Trustees.

"We have a tremendous tradition in intercollegiate athletics. And we are building an even stronger, more comprehensive program - one that succeeds both on the field and in the classroom," Brockman said. "Our goal as a committee is to ensure that we maintain and -- where possible -- enhance our athletics program and how it supports the overall mission and vision of the university."