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What They Are Saying… On Greg Sankey being named the eighth Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference Alabama Director of Athletics Bill Battle "I'm delighted to learn that Greg Sankey has been named our Commissioner. He has been heavily involved in all SEC activities over the past few years, which have been, and remain, very complex in nature. He will assure continuity in all areas which are important to the conference's continued success." Auburn Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs “Greg Sankey has a wealth of experience in college athletics and has a better knowledge of the NCAA policies and procedures than anyone in our profession. He has been a tremendous resource for the SEC member institutions when we have navigated through complex issues on campus and at the conference and national level. A man of great integrity, Greg is the most intelligent athletic administrator I know and is the perfect person to lead the Southeastern Conference." Florida Director of Athletics Jeremy Foley "Greg is the perfect person to lead the SEC into the next chapter of its storied history. Like Commissioner Slive, he is a consensus builder who understands the big picture and understands the complex issues facing collegiate athletics today. He is well respected and has the ability to connect with his peer groups, coaches, administrators and student athletes." Florida Head Basketball Coach Billy Donovan "I love Greg. I think it's a great hire. I think he's really smart. I think he's bright. I think he gets the big picture. He's been involved in a lot of different committees. I think he's got a really, really good pulse on the NCAA. I think he's got a really good pulse on where college athletics is moving. Just in my interaction with Greg, I couldn't be any happier for our league because I really believe they hired a great guy." Georgia President Jere Morehead "Continuity was a factor, and certainly learning under commissioner Slive was an important factor. But Greg stands on his own as well. I think he could serve as commissioner of any of the major conferences and do an outstanding job. He knows the issues in intercollegiate athletics. He understands the challenges that we face today. I think he's a visionary individual. I think he's very smart, very hard‐
working. I think he's going to do an outstanding job." Kentucky Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart "In a period of incredible growth and important decisions, Greg Sankey has been an integral part of the growth of the Southeastern Conference. He brings tremendous intelligence, work ethic and passion, which will serve the members of our conference well. Most of all, his high standards and personal integrity will challenge all of us to be the best we can be." Kentucky Head Women’s Basketball Coach Matthew Mitchell “Greg Sankey is a person who I have tremendous respect for. He adds immense value to people and I am fortunate that he has taken the time to help me improve as a professional over the years. I always feel I have improved a little after spending time with Greg. He is that kind of leader. He simply makes people better. Being the SEC commissioner is one of the toughest jobs in America. It would have been impossible to find a better leader for our conference than Greg Sankey." LSU Head Basketball Coach Johnny Jones “We’re excited. Anytime you have someone in house that has done a tremendous job and understands everything that is going on in the SEC, he has been there on the ground floor. He has done an exceptional job. I think he will do a great job in taking over for Mike Slive. We’re excited to have him on board in his new position.” Mississippi State Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin "Much like Mike Slive, Greg Sankey possesses a brilliant mind and great integrity, two qualities that have benefited the SEC tremendously through the years. His ability to impact change and provide leadership in our league and across the college athletics landscape positions the SEC for an even greater future." Missouri Director of Athletics Mike Alden “Greg Sankey is seen as a national leader in college athletics, and his impact has been very strong for many years. Greg will do a great job as the Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference and will provide excellent leadership and vision for a bright future.” Missouri Head Football Coach Gary Pinkel “I’m really excited for Greg, he’s a great choice. He’s already earned the respect of everybody in the SEC, from coaches to athletic directors on down. He’s following a guy who is very difficult to replace of course, but we’ve got the best guy possible for the job.” Tennessee Director of Athletics Dave Hart "Greg Sankey is a very worthy successor to Mike Slive as Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference. Greg will provide the leadership necessary to continue the remarkable level of success the conference has enjoyed during Mike's tenure. Greg is widely respected throughout our league and within NCAA circles. Our Presidents and Chancellors made an excellent choice." Texas A&M Director of Athletics Eric Hyman “There is no one more deserving to continue Mike Slive’s legacy as commissioner than Greg Sankey! I want to thank the presidents of the SEC universities for naming Greg as commissioner, as there is no one who is more deserving and capable to build on the momentum Mike Slive put into play. There is no "learning curve" with Greg, as he has worked in the SEC office for years, and the conference will continue to thrive at the top under his leadership.” Texas A&M Head Basketball Coach Billy Kennedy “I think the SEC has made an outstanding hire in Greg Sankey, he has worked hard and is prepared to be commissioner. He’s already shown great leadership in the conference office and his experience and knowledge will be a benefit to our league.” Texas A&M Head Women’s Basketball Coach Gary Blair “The SEC could not have made a better choice. Greg Sankey, with his experience as commissioner of the Southland Conference and as associate commissioner of the SEC, working under the best commissioner in the country, Mike Slive, makes him ready for this job. Greg and I go back a long ways and I am a great admirer of what he has done over the years, especially in his support of women’s athletics.” Texas A&M Head Football Coach Kevin Sumlin “Greg has spent the past 13 years working side‐by‐side with Commissioner Mike Slive with the Southeastern Conference. In our short tenure with the SEC here at Texas A&M, I have been impressed with Greg’s experience, his educational background in collegiate athletics and his outstanding leadership and has shown a great ability to communicate ideas and work together.”