Source: Kirk Schulz, 785-532-6221, kirks@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Kenny Lannou, 785-532-7977, klannou@kstatesports.com

Friday, May 7, 2010

HOLEN TO RETIRE AFTER 11 YEARS AS K-STATE ATHLETICS FACULTY REP

MANHATTAN -- Faculty Athletics Representative Mike Holen, who has served Kansas State University for more than a decade during a period of tremendous growth and success in athletics, will step down from the post in June, Kansas State University President Kirk Schulz has announced.

Holen, who has served as dean of the College of Education for almost 20 years, was appointed as Faculty Athletics Representative in 1999 and has worked closely with the athletics department and Big 12 Conference on issues related to academic integrity, rules compliance and student-athlete welfare.

"Dr. Holen has ably served Kansas State University and our athletics department in this very important position and we are grateful for his long service and the integral role that he has played in the development of our athletics department," Schulz said.

During Holen's tenure as the Faculty Athletics Representative, K-State Athletics served as a Big 12 and national leader in athletics and academic achievement, including a current string of three straight years with the No.1 graduation rate in the Big 12 for all student-athletes. In addition, Holen helped guide K-State through a major transition in NCAA eligibility and graduation legislation with the implementation of the Academic Progress Rate and Graduation Success Rate.

"I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to serve K-State, our athletics programs and personnel, and, especially, our fine student-athletes over the past decade," Holen said.

Holen, who came to K-State in 1971, served as a professor, department head and associate dean before being named dean of education in 1991.

In 1988, Holen received the Presidential Award for Distinguished Service to Minority Education after helping many predominantly black universities develop academic programs and administrative systems and has twice chaired the Regents' Council of Education Deans.

Holen earned his bachelor's degree in history and literature from Stanford and his master's and doctorate degrees in educational psychology, both from the University of Oregon.

"Dr. Holen has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the position and he has been tremendously helpful during my first year as athletics director," John Currie said. "He has the utmost respect of his fellow Faculty Athletics Representatives across the country and we truly appreciate all that he has done for our department."

Any K-State faculty member interested in serving as the new K-State Faculty Athletics Representative is invited to send a letter expressing that interest and a curriculum vita to Dana Hastings (dhasting@k-state.edu) in the office of the president. A screening committee will look through the applications and make a recommendation to the president. Those with questions about the position may contact Schulz at kirks@k-state.edu. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 21, by 5 p.m.