LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart is expected to announce his retirement, LEX 18 has learned. Barnhart has served as UK's athletic director since 2002 — a tenure of 24 years — making him the longest-serving AD in the Southeastern Conference.
“Mitch Barnhart has led University of Kentucky Athletics for nearly a quarter-century,” UK President Doctor Eli Capilouto said. “It is with a profound mix of emotions that we announce Mitch will be leaving his position as UK Athletics Director at the end of June.
He is the university's 10th athletics director, succeeding Larry Ivy when he was hired in 2002.
“Mitch often speaks of the idea that our goal at UK is for student-athletes to place championship rings on their fingers and diplomas in their hands," Capilouto added. "“Those aren’t mere words. They are aspirations that he continually has helped our program, our people and our students meet.”
Barnhart is set to take on a new role at the university, UK President Doctor Eli Capilouto announced.
“After thoughtful discussions, I am gratified that he has agreed to stay on and write another new and exciting chapter,” Capilouto said. “Mitch will be the first executive-in-residence of the UK Sport and Workforce Initiative. This initiative will be part of a workforce effort that I mentioned in my remarks recently to the Board of Trustees and that I will be announcing more details about in the coming weeks.
Capilouto continued, "College athletics is undergrowing a dramatic series of changes. We need people – from sports administration, to marketing, from philanthropy to academic support and mental and physical health – ready for leadership. Mitch is distinctly equipped to help us think about the future of intercollegiate sports. I am excited he accepted my offer to take on this new role.”
According to his university bio, under Barnhart's leadership, UK Athletics has earned six NCAA championships: men's basketball (2012), volleyball (2020), and rifle (2011, 2018, 2021, 2022).
UK Athletics placed in the top 20 of the NACDA Directors' Cup standings from 2017 to 2023, excluding 2020. The program's 9 best finishes have all come during Barnhart's tenure, including a school-record 9th place in 2021-22.
Barnhart has also played a significant role in shaping the future of college athletics. He is one of 10 athletics directors on the Settlement Implementation Committee, guiding the national rollout of the House case settlement.
"Ten years of work in ten months," Barnhart said.
Barnhart's accomplishments have earned him personal recognition as well. In 2022, he was inducted into the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame and received the John L. Toner Award from the National Football Foundation for excellence in athletics administration. He was also named the 2019 Division I AD of the Year by SportsBusiness Journal. In June 2023, he was ranked No. 1 on a list of the "12 Most Important People in the Southeastern Conference" by columnist Pat Dooley.
“I’m so thankful that Dr. Capilouto is providing a ‘what’s next’ after leaving this position and we can have an impact another way. It will matter to the University, it will matter to our department, it will matter to Kentucky. I’m super appreciative of this opportunity. My love for this place is overflowing,” Barnhart stated.
