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