Former University of Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart is set to move to a part-time role with the university that includes a schedule for $3.06 million in severance payments.
The amended contract was updated on June 30, which was his last day as athletics director. Earlier this year, the university had offered Barnhart a post-retirement job that would have paid him a $950,000 annual salary. Barnhart decided to not take it following public criticism, including from Gov. Andy Beshear.
The new contract states Barnhart will work a part-time position with UK starting July 1, 2026 through Jan. 31, 2030. The position reports to UK President Eli Capilouto. The annual salary is $40,000 with health insurance for Barnhart and his dependents.
“In this part-time position, Barnhart will devote his time, attention, and abilities to fundraising and any other duties as assigned, as well as faithfully serve the University,” the contract says.
The contract lays out a severance schedule for Barnhart, whose previous contract as athletic director lasted until June 30, 2028. According to the schedule, Barnhart will be paid $760,000 on Jan. 1, 2027; $760,000 on Jan. 1, 2028; $760,000 on Jan. 1, 2029; and $780,000 on Dec. 31, 2029.
“The agreement executed with Mr. Barnhart will be paid for with private funds, raised by President Capilouto,” said UK spokesperson Jay Blanton. “It reflects Mitch’s long tenure as Athletics Director and is consistent with other step-down provisions at similar institutions. It is $1.6 million less than what was negotiated in Mr. Barnhart’s 2023 provision and more than $700,000 less than the most recent contract amendment. It also eliminates additional benefits such as tickets and courtesy vehicles.”
Blanton added that Barnhart’s duties will include cultivating and strengthening relationships with donors, alumni, and external stakeholders to advance the UK’s strategic priorities. He will also assist the president with fundraising initiatives and other projects that support institutional growth.
The new position is 0.2 FTE, or 20% of a full-time role.
Barnhart was first hired by UK in 2002. UK named J Batt as the next UK Athletics director last month. UK announced Thursday Batt will begin in his role on July 28.
Beshear said in April that he was “losing confidence and growing increasingly concerned” with the management of the University of Kentucky following recent hiring decisions, including the previous job offered to Barnhart and the announcement of U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove as the new dean of the UK College of Law.
Later that month, UK Board of Trustees member Jim Gray called for a “collaborative group” to review and adjust the university’s governing regulations. Gray previously served as Beshear’s former Transportation secretary and is now in a part-time advisory role to the governor.
Last week, the board voted to restore to itself the power to appoint deans rather than the administration.
