KU AD Zenger signs new deal through 2021
This morning I confirmed with Kansas athletics director Dr. Sheahon Zenger he has signed a contract extension. He did it earlier in the month and it keeps him in position at KU through 2021.
Here is what he said about it.
“Jon, you and I have talked over the years and I love it at the University of Kansas,” he said, “It is the greatest university in the nation. This is home to me. I love our student/athletes and coaches. I am very glad to be here.”
There wasn't much time to ask extra questions. Very early this morning he dropped his wife and daughter off at the airport. Then he was at the hospital with his mother. Just a couple quick thoughts on that…. He didn’t have to answer the phone but he did.
That’s the type of person he has shown me who he is in our interviews over the years. Although Zenger signed his extension earlier this month KU didn’t do a release and I know it isn’t his style to the run to the media.
He said he just kept doing his job every day and wants the focus to be on the school and the entire athletic department and not himself.
Comment from Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little:
"Since Sheahon’s arrival in Jan. 2011 Kansas Athletics has enjoyed success on and off the field. We’ve had a team win a national championship, two teams reach NCAA Final Fours and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances by other sports. We’ve seen some $90 million in construction and renovation, from Rock Chalk Park to Memorial Stadium to the DeBruce Center. And academically, Athletics’ Graduation Success Rate and APR marks put us in excellent standing with the NCAA. I am confident that under Sheahon’s leadership Athletics will experience even more success in the coming years."
Comment from Bill Self:
“I’m happy for Sheahon and the department. Sheahon’s focus since he’s been here is to give the coaches what they need to be successful. We’ve got a bunch of teams doing really well, we’ve added great new facilities, and I can see things getting even better in the next few years.”
Comment from David Beaty:
"We are delighted to hear the news of Dr. Zenger's extension. He is a tireless worker and a loyal Jayhawk who has helped every program at KU flourish. We are excited to know he will be here much longer. He has done everything we asked and then some. This is a big win for KU Athletics."