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UK Pays $950K to Former AD as 'Special Advisor'

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. k-pays-950k-to-former-ad-as-special-advisor.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, March 6th 2026 at 18:37 GMT by WKYT
      Locales: Kentucky, UNITED STATES

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The University of Kentucky is facing a rising wave of scrutiny following the announcement of a newly created position and a substantial salary attached to it: former Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart has been appointed as a 'Special Advisor' to the University, commanding an annual salary of $950,000. The appointment, revealed earlier this week, is drawing criticism from former state officials, faculty, and the public, all questioning the necessity, transparency, and financial justification behind the move.

Barnhart's departure from the Athletic Director role, announced several months prior, was widely anticipated after a lengthy and successful tenure that saw significant growth in the UK athletics program. However, the swiftness with which a new, highly compensated position was created for him has fueled speculation and accusations of preferential treatment.

Former State Representative Robert Stivers voiced concerns shared by many, stating, "It's a significant salary, and it's important for the University to be very clear about what he's doing and what value he's bringing." The ambiguity surrounding the specifics of Barnhart's advisory role is exacerbating the issue. While University spokesperson Lauren Stewart asserts Barnhart's expertise will be invaluable in guiding "ongoing strategic initiatives," details remain sparse. Critics argue that a clear outline of deliverables and quantifiable objectives is necessary to justify such a substantial investment of public funds.

The financial disparity between Barnhart's new salary and those of tenured faculty is particularly jarring. The University's average full professor earns approximately $120,000 annually - less than 13% of what Barnhart will receive as a 'Special Advisor.' This stark contrast has ignited debate about university priorities and resource allocation. Many faculty members, speaking anonymously, have expressed feeling undervalued and questioning whether the University is adequately supporting its core academic mission.

"It sends a message about where the University's priorities lie," said one professor in the College of Arts and Sciences. "Are we truly valuing education and research, or is athletics still the driving force behind all decisions? It's disheartening to see such a disparity, especially when many of us are struggling with limited resources and increased workloads."

Beyond the financial concerns, the appointment has also dredged up questions regarding Barnhart's legacy as Athletic Director. His tenure, while largely successful in terms of athletic achievement and revenue generation, wasn't without its controversies. Decisions related to facility upgrades, coaching contracts, and the handling of certain athlete-related issues have been subject to public debate. Some observers fear that this 'Special Advisor' role could be viewed as a means of shielding Barnhart from accountability for past actions.

The University has yet to address these concerns directly, maintaining that Barnhart's expertise is essential for navigating complex strategic challenges. However, this explanation has failed to quell the growing discontent. Transparency advocates are calling for a detailed accounting of Barnhart's responsibilities and a clear demonstration of the value he brings to the University. Some are even suggesting that the role should be subject to external oversight to ensure accountability and prevent potential conflicts of interest.

Barnhart himself has declined to comment on the matter, further fueling speculation. The lack of communication from the former AD is perceived by many as a lack of respect for the concerns of the University community. The situation is now prompting calls for greater oversight of university administration and a more transparent process for creating and filling high-level positions. The upcoming University Board of Trustees meeting is expected to address the issue, with many hoping for a more comprehensive explanation and a commitment to greater financial responsibility.

The longer this situation persists without satisfactory answers, the greater the risk of eroding public trust in the University of Kentucky and its leadership.