The Southeastern Conference is set to launch a national search to name its next commissioner. An October announcement revealed that Mike Slive will retire in July 2015 after 13 years in that position.
Vanderbilt Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos, who is current chair of the SEC’s presidents and chancellors, has appointed a committee to search for the eighth commissioner in the history of the league. David Gearhart, chancellor of the University of Arkansas, will serve as chairman of the committee that also will include Judith Bonner, president of the University of Alabama; Eli Capilouto, president of the University of Kentucky; Mark Keenum, president of Mississippi State University; and R. Bowen Loftin, chancellor of the University of Missouri.
“The SEC has enjoyed an era of unprecedented success under Mike Slive and at the same time has been a leader in dramatic change in the landscape of college athletics under his direction,” says Zeppos. “It is critical to have an efficient transition of leadership in order to continue our success on the fields of play, as well as to identify a staunch advocate for academic achievement, integrity and sportsmanship.”