Chancellor Robert Hemenway today announced that Dr. Al Bohl, athletics director at the University of Kansas since Aug. 1, 2001, is leaving his position, effective immediately.
A. Drue Jennings, a KU graduate (B.S, 1968; J.D., 1972) and former CEO of Kansas City Power and Light Company, has agreed to serve as interim athletics director pending the outcome of a national search. Plans for that search will be announced at a later time, but Hemenway expects internal candidates to be given strong consideration.
Jennings, 56, of Leawood played football for four years at KU and is currently a member of the KU Endowment Association Executive Committee and the KU Alumni Association Board. He served on the KU Athletic Corporation Board from 1991 to 1995. Jennings will not be a candidate for the position.
Hemenway discussed the leadership of KU athletics with Bohl during the past six to eight weeks. He also talked with members of the KU Athletic Corporation board, coaches and other athletic department staff, alumni, and contributors to KU athletics.
“On the basis of these conversations and my own evaluation of the situation,” said Hemenway, “I came to the conclusion a change of leadership was needed at this time.”
Hemenway added that he chose to delay his decision until the close of the basketball season. “While the situation became a distraction during the NCAA tournament,” said Hemenway, “announcing a change while the men’s basketball team was still in contention for the title would have been more of a distraction.”
Hemenway noted that the appointment of A. Drue Jennings as interim athletics director had been discussed in advance with Head Men’s Basketball Coach Roy Williams, who expressed support for Jennings.
Hemenway said his action was consistent with provisions of Bohl’s employment agreement, but that the University will not provide details.
“It is important that the entire Department of Intercollegiate Athletics focus its energies, and those of KU’s many fans, on those things that matter most,” said Hemenway, “the education of our students and the success of all team sports. That will be the highest priority as we begin the search for a new athletics director.”
Bohl came to KU from Fresno State University, where he was director of athletics from 1996 to 2001. He was previously director of athletics at the University of Toledo (1987-96) and an assistant director of athleticsat Ohio State University, where he received a doctorate in 1978.
“It is always sad for the individual involved when a situation such as this occurs and a change is made. We had difficulties, and we were not as cohesive as the athletic department needs to be. This made the atmosphere somewhat difficult. Dr. Bohl tried extremely hard, and it is important now that we stop blaming individuals and pull together to be as successful as we can be.”
“Drue Jennings is an outstanding individual who truly loves the University of Kansas. Drue has given a tremendous amount of his time and energy to the University over the years, and this is another example of that. He is a very ethical and organized person, and we are lucky to have someone with his integrity to lead the athletic department at this difficult time.”
“I’m sorry Al will no longer be with our athletic department. I wish him and his family the very best. Our athletic department must forge ahead collectively and always keep the best interest of our student-athletes the priority.”
