Governor Andy Beshear voiced concern Tuesday over what he described as troubling leadership decisions at the University of Kentucky, pointing to several recent and controversial developments.

In a social media post, Beshear cited the hiring of Gregory Van Tatenhove as the next dean of the university’s law school, along with the retirement of longtime athletics director Mitch Barnhart and his subsequent appointment as executive in residence for a new UK Sport and Workforce Initiative.

“I am losing confidence and growing increasingly concerned with the management and decision-making at the University of Kentucky,” Beshear posted on social media, in a rare public critique of the university.

Barnhart is set to earn $950,000 annually through August 2030 in his new role, though the university has released few details about the position. Officials have said his salary will be funded through the athletics budget.

The move has drawn criticism from some within the UK community, including prominent football booster Brett Setzer, who described the decision as “deeply misguided” in a letter to university leaders.

Beshear also said he had been informed that Van Tatenhove was the only candidate not recommended by the law school faculty and noted an apparent shift in the university’s stance on whether the board of trustees must approve the dean selection.

UK's board of trustees meets Thursday and Friday, the first time since Van Tatenhove's appointment.

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

In response to the governor's comments, UK spokesperson Jay Blanton issued this 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."


 

FILE - Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear was critical over troubling leadership decisions at the University of Kentucky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File)

• Timothy D. Easley