He’s coached on the court, led from the front office, raised nearly $1,000,000 in campaign support over 18 months and partnered with businesses like Adidas, Pepsi and the San Antonio Spurs. Now, Kenyon Spears is bringing his vision to Newman University as the school’s new athletic director.
Spears is a Texas native (and Longhorns fan) and earned his Bachelor of Science in communication from Lamar University, where he coached the NCAA Division I men’s basketball team. Spears credits this experience with being foundational for the future of his career.
That moment was the start of a decade-long coaching career, where Spears gained experience coaching at multiple Division I institutions.
Beyond that, Spears has taken on senior administrative leadership roles at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.
“Newman made an excellent selection in hiring Kenyon Spears,” Marcus Blossom, Creighton University’s endowed athletic director said. “Kenyon has excelled as a student-athlete, coach and administrator. He’s committed to providing a positive experience for student-athletes and I’m excited to follow Newman’s success under his leadership.”
During Spears’ introductory press conference, Newman University President Kathleen Jagger, Ph.D., MPH, spoke on his versatile background, saying his administrative journey “demonstrates a clear progression of increasing responsibility and impact.”
Spears addresses the Newman community for the first time
“I am so excited to be here,” Spears said as he took the stage for the first time in front of Newman athletes, coaches and the wider university community. “I believe it’s important that we live every day through the Newman mission.”
Spears cannot wait to intertwine his family, still currently located in Texas, with the Newman community.
In fact, before Spears’ first official day with Newman, he made sure to spend as much time with family as possible before heading to Wichita.
“I wanted to give my family as much time as possible,” Spears said. “I ended up driving overnight for nine hours and got here at 5 a.m., relaxed for 20 minutes and got to work.”
Spears told the audience at the press conference a little bit about his family.
“My beautiful wife, Anne and our three children will be engulfed in the Newman community — Eli, who just graduated, Mary, our 16-year-old and our miracle baby, Avery. She is three years old.”
What excites Spears the most, perhaps, is a more personal connection to the university.
Spears’ special connection
“One of my best friends played college basketball here and we talked a lot about Newman since 2007 when we worked together,” Spears said. “His name is Marlon Sears. Every time he and I get together, there is always a story about Newman Athletics.”
Now, Spears will have an abundance of updates to share with his old friend, starting with what he plans to focus on in his first 100 days.
“I want to make sure we are meeting enrollment needs,” Spears said during his press conference. “We must make sure we are meeting the needs of all of campus and the community.”
It was during this moment when Spears emphasized just how much face-to-face interaction means to him and his leadership style.
“I want to get to know all of you face-to-face,” Spears said. “Eventually at some point in time, our paths will cross and I don’t want that time to be the first meeting.”
His message to student-athletes
When addressing the student-athletes, Spears looked to members of the women’s and men’s basketball teams.
“I was a student-athlete. I understand what the rigors of a day-to-day lifestyle looks like,” Spears said. “You are going to see me lead by example.”
When relaying what he learned during his time as a college basketball player, Spears mentioned how difficult the jump from high school to college sports can be.
“There were tough days, but I figured it out eventually, ” Spears said. “Having good mentors opens up opportunities.”
Spears hopes to be that mentor for student athletes.
“I am very hands-on, and cannot wait to help and meet our athletes and build relationships with them,” Spears said. “To this day, I still talk to student athletes and coaches from Lamar University in 2002.”
After the press conference concluded, Spears immediately took the opportunity to build those relationships he just mentioned, introducing himself to the student-athletes in attendance.
The game is on, and under Spears’ leadership, the Jets are ready to soar.
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