The Kentucky Governor is “losing confidence and growing increasingly concerned” about how the University of Kentucky is being managed. It appears that just about everyone fans, local media, and even national outlets is frustrated with the university over the generous exit package given to Mitch Barnhart. Now, Governor Andy Beshear has joined the chorus of critics.
On Tuesday, Beshear issued a statement expressing that he is “losing confidence and growing increasingly concerned with the management and decision-making at the University of Kentucky.” He also voiced frustration over the hiring of Greg Van Tatenhove as the new dean of the law school. According to Beshear, Van Tatenhove was appointed without the board of trustees’ approval, and members of the law faculty opposed the move.
When the governor starts calling you out, you know things have gotten bad—but in this case, UK deserves the criticism. The university seems to act as if it can hire anyone it wants and spend money freely with little to no accountability. A striking example is President Eli Capilouto giving his close friend Mitch a $1 million retirement deal without needing board approval.
If public pressure keeps building, it raises the question of whether Mitch might step away from his golden parachute and ride off into the sunset.
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