Dec. 10, 2004

Contact: Dan Lara, University Relations, (785) 864-8855.

KU chancellor named 7th most influential person in college athletics

LAWRENCE -- University of Kansas Chancellor Robert E. Hemenway was named by Smith & Street’s Sports Business Journal as one of the 20 most influential people in college athletics in the magazine’s most recent weekly edition. Hemenway was ranked seventh on the list.

Hemenway serves as chairman of the NCAA Division I board of directors, which sets policy and is the highest governing body for the division.
“ Street & Smith is confirming what I've known since before I came here,” said KU Athletics Director Lew Perkins. “Chancellor Hemenway's stature as a leader in the world of intercollegiate athletics is widely acknowledged and was a major factor in my decision to come to the University of Kansas.”

Smith & Street praised Hemenway’s leadership with the Division I board, which passed rule changes on recruiting as well as academic standards in college sports. He also figured prominently into the NCAA presidential search that led to the hiring of Myles Brand, the former president of Indiana University in Bloomington.

“ I am honored that Smith & Street has included me in its list of the 20 most influential people in college sports,” Hemenway said. “I believe this honor really recognizes the work of the entire Division I board in trying to create the best environment for college athletics and student-athletes to excel.”