By Alan Lytle
Lexington, KY – Two weeks after retiring UK President Lee Todd stirred controversy by granting a raise and contract extension for Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart, the university is setting up an athletics oversight committee. Board of Trustees Chair Britt Brockman, says even though Barnhart has presided over by what many view as a clean, and profitable program, there may never be a better time to assess its effectiveness.
"Basically look at the metrics used to study other governing boards, to try to determine what's happening in the SEC and in other conferences. I think we'll have folks to come up and speak with us from the athletic department we would love to have Sandy Bell from Compliance as well. The President has also offered to invite the Commissioner of the SEC, Mike Slive. And I think these folks can come up and we can look at where we are, and see if any changes need to made."
Some trustees had expressed displeasure that they were not consulted on the Barnhart matter prior to Todd's actions. The trustees on Tuesday also approved spending 23 million to upgrade the UK Student Center, and 51.8 million for an electronic health records system. 26 million of the total comes from federal grants, another 15 million from a tax exempt lease / purchase agreement, and UK Healthcare operations will chip in 11 million dollars.