Bob Frederick, Kansas University’s athletics director since 1987, announced his resignation Thursday morning, effective June 30.
Frederick said at a press conference Thursday morning that he would resign his position after 14 years to teach in KU’s School of Education.
“I’ve always considered myself an educator, first and foremost,” he said in a prepared statement. “The most difficult part of this decision is saying goodbye to the coaches, staff and student-athletes. The athletics department has been my focus and my passion for many years and I’m obviously going to miss those relationships.”
KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway said he fully supported Frederick’s decision, which he first discussed with Hemenway last weekend.
“Bob Frederick has brought integrity and inspirational leadership in the athletics department,” Hemenway said. “He’s been the driving force in enhancing its reputation on a local and national level over the last 14 years.”
Hemenway indicated a national search would be conducted to find a successor to Frederick. The details would be determined over the next few days.
Frederick, 61, has been under pressure since the Jayhawks posted their fifth straight losing football season last fall.
Frederick also came under some heat when he recommended and the KU Athletics Board approved dropping men’s swimming and men’s tennis as a budget-cutting move.
Frederick, who succeeeded Monte Johnson in 1987, has earned several prestigious awards and served on several NCAA committees during his 14 years in charge of the school’s athletics program.
His tenure has also been marked by numerous capital improvements, the establishment of a strong student support service and the addition of women’s soccer and women’s rowing to varsity status.
A former Kansas University basketball player and assistant coach, Frederick earned a doctorate in education from KU in 1984.
