FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2021
Kansas Board of Regents Chair Cheryl Harrison-Lee issues statement on athletic conference affiliation
(Topeka, Kan.) – Kansas Board of Regents Chair Cheryl Harrison-Lee issued the following statement on athletic conference affiliation:
The Board continues to monitor developments regarding the Big XII athletic conference and the impact on the University of Kansas and Kansas State University.
The Regents recognize the importance of conference affiliation for the experience of all students and have Board policy to ensure that conference membership supports our strategic goals. Per that policy, if any state university wishes to change athletic conferences, the university CEO must obtain expedited approval from the Board Chair and President and CEO prior to entering any negotiations. This provides important Board oversight, while also protecting the time sensitive and confidential nature of these negotiations.
Chancellor Girod and President Myers will seek approval from Board leadership prior to beginning any negotiations, and we will inform the public at the appropriate time of any such request.
We will continue to work with the university leaders to prioritize the fiscal stability and academic standards of our universities consistent with the goals of our strategic plan to support Kansas families, businesses and economic prosperity.
The Regents’ policy on changes to athletic conference membership may be found in the Board’s policy manual.
For more information, please contact Matt Keith at (785) 430-4237 or
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About the Kansas Board of Regents:
The nine-member Kansas Board of Regents is the governing board of the state’s six universities and the statewide coordinating board for the state’s 32 public higher education institutions (six state universities, one municipal university, nineteen community colleges, and six technical colleges). In addition, the Board administers the state’s student financial aid, adult education, high school equivalency, and career and technical education programs. Private proprietary schools and out-of-state institutions are authorized by the Kansas Board of Regents to operate in Kansas.
Visit the Kansas Board of Regents online at www.kansasregents.org.