Gov. Beshear says he’s 'losing confidence' in University of Kentucky leadership

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear criticized the University of Kentucky in a statement Tuesday afternoon on social media, saying he is "losing confidence and growing increasingly concerned" in its recent management and decision-making.

He cited the university's recent hiring decisions as a factor, referencing the creation of a "new $1 million job that has no defined duties" and the hiring of a new dean of law that was "the only candidate not recommended by law school faculty."

Beshear didn't specify which individuals he was referring to. However, UK announced last month Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart would step down to transition into a "Executive in Residence" role for the UK Sports and Workforce Initiative, a position tied to the university's broader academic mission rather than its athletic department.

Barnhart's contract for the position — which was unclear on the role's day-to-day responsibilities — revealed his salary to be $950,000 annually, a larger amount than what most Power Four athletic directors make.

The new dean of UK's Rosenberg College of Law was also announced last month as U.S. District Judge Greg Van Tatenhove, who was appointed to the bench by President George W. Bush and was a staffer to U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell. Beshear said in his statement he was previously told the new dean "must be approved by the UK's Board of Trustee's" but the university "has shifted and now states that approval is not needed."

"I worry that these actions are related to certain donors pushing partisan and undue outside influence onto the university," he said. "I hope students, faculty, trustees and the community attend this week's board meeting and ask the tough questions that should be answered."

The UK Board of Trustees' next meetings are this Thursday and Friday.

In response to the governor's comments, UK spokesperson Jay Blanton shared the following statement:

"We appreciate and always respect the Governor’s interest and feedback. We take it seriously, but respectfully disagree with his assessment. In Judge Van Tatenhove we have someone who will be an outstanding Dean for the Rosenberg College of Law. With more than two decades of experience and an exemplary record on the federal courts, as well as years as a U.S. Attorney and in public service, he is the right leader, with the right skills and the right background and expertise at a critical moment for the college."