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A RESOLUTION honoring University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch 1
Barnhart upon his retirement. 2
WHEREAS, Mitch Barnhart, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, earned a bachelor's 3
degree from Ottawa University in Kansas and a master's degree in sports administration 4
from Ohio University; and 5
WHEREAS, after serving as athletic director at Oregon State University from 1998 6
to 2002, Mitch Barnhart was named the tenth athl etic director for the University of 7
Kentucky (UK) in 2002; and 8
WHEREAS, known for his motto of "putting championship rings on fingers and 9
diplomas in hands," Mitch Barnhart has had much success in both areas; and 10
WHEREAS, Mitch Barnhart's legacy at UK incl udes success in a wide array of 11
sports. All counted, UK has won six NCAA championship rings under Mitch Barnhart, 12
including the men's basketball team in 2012, volleyball in 2020, and rifle in 2011, 2018, 13
2021, and 2022; and 14
WHEREAS, under Mitch Barnhart's leadership, UK has also totaled 63 regular 15
season and tournament conference championships including first -time titles in baseball, 16
women's tennis, men's golf, and women's swimming and diving; and 17
WHEREAS, Mitch Barnhart announced his intention to retire in June of this year 18
after leading UK athletics for 24 years; and 19
WHEREAS, having the longest term of service among current athletic directors at 20
schools in the Power 4 college athletic conferences, Mitch Barnhart's legacy reaches not 21
just the past, present, and future of UK Athletics, but also the entirety of college sports; 22
and 23
WHEREAS, Mitch Barnhart's experience, knowledge, and synthesis of athletic and 24
academic success have made his a highly respected and sought -after presence regarding 25
the key issues of the day; and 26
WHEREAS, at the heart of everything Mitch Barnhart has accomplished at UK are 27
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the core values he has instilled in the department he runs: character, integrity, knowledge, 1
stewardship, and competitiveness; and 2
WHEREAS, this honorable body congratulates Mitch Barnhart for his many 3
accomplishments as athletic director at UK and commends him fo r his dedication to the 4
student-athletes and to the future of college athletics; 5
NOW, THEREFORE, 6
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 7
Kentucky: 8
Section 1. The members of the Senate hereby honor UK Athletic Director 9
Mitch Barnhart upon his retirement. 10
Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor of Mitch 11
Barnhart. 12
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 13
Resolution to Senator Reginald Thomas for delivery to Mitch Barnhart. 14