Mitch Barnhart steps away from new job at UK after criticism
Lexington Herald Leader • • sports
Key Points:
- Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart will no longer assume the newly created UK Sport and Workforce Initiative executive role, following criticism and concerns about the position's unclear responsibilities and high salary.
- Barnhart was set to transition to the new role on July 1 with a $950,000 annual salary plus a $650,000 retention bonus, but he requested to step away to avoid distracting the university amid controversy.
- UK President Eli Capilouto stated the decision was made to refocus on the university's core mission, and that Barnhart's departure terms will be finalized according to his contract, with compensation covered entirely by private funds raised by Capilouto.
- The situation drew public criticism, including from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who expressed concerns about university management and decision-making related to Barnhart's position and other appointments.
- Details about the workforce initiative remain vague, and UK denied open records requests regarding Barnhart’s new role, citing privacy and privilege; the initiative's future continuation remains uncertain.
