Why didn’t UK board have to approve Barnhart’s new salary? It’s president’s call
Amid questions over retiring University of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barhart’s new, near-$1 million per year role, the University of Kentucky’s board of trustees did not approve his salary — because they don’t have to.
Per the board’s bylaws, the only salary the board approves is the president. Salaries of other university employees, no matter the dollar amount, can be approved by the university’s president or a designee of the president.
Barnhart’s new role will be the executive in residence at a newly created UK Sport and Workforce Initiative. Few specifics have been given about what that initiative is — UK spokesperson Jay Blanton told the Herald-Leader last week it is “a transdisciplinary and collaborative approach to the study and promotion of sports” — or Barnhart’s role after he retires as athletic director.
Barnhart’s $950,000 salary did not go before the board of trustees for approval.
“The only employee contract that the board approves is that of the President,” Blanton said. “That is longstanding policy. All employees ultimately report to the President. The President or designee of the President establishes salaries and, if appropriate, terms for employment.”
Barnhart’s salary will be paid by the athletic department, though he will no longer work directly with university sports teams.
The board of trustees is “the final authority in all matters affecting the institution and exercises jurisdiction over the institution’s financial, educational, and other policies and its relation with state and federal governments,” according to the UK website. Governed by Kentucky state law and university regulations, the responsibilities of the board include oversight of the university’s budget and reviewing policy and academic recommendations.
The board approves a list of “personnel actions” presented by Capilouto at nearly every meeting, which includes a list of appointments, promotions and retirements.
It’s not yet clear when Barnhart’s appointment to his new role will go before the board of trustees. When it does, the board can approve or deny his appointment.
But it’s extremely rare for trustees to vote against an appointment, which are presented in bulk as one agenda item with individual names and job titles across the university, but without salaries or job descriptions. In recent years, the board has approved all personnel action without public discussion.
Barnhart will retire at the end of June and transition into his new role as executive in residence on July 1. UK has board meetings scheduled for April 23-24 and June 29-30.