SEC names new Commissioner

The SEC has named former COO Greg Sankey as the league’s new Commissioner after Mike Slive had to resign due to treatments for cancer.

Sankey, who has been at the SEC for 12 years and was the league’s Executive Associate Commissioner, was announced by head of SEC presidents and chancellors Nick Zeppos.

He will take over Slive’s job when he formally retires on end-July this year.

“The institutions of the Southeastern Conference searched for a commissioner who would carry forward the momentum of success enjoyed by the SEC over the last decade while also possessing a vision for change in the modern era of college athletics,” said Zeppos.  “Greg Sankey’s experience with our institutions, his respect on the national landscape, his understanding of the balance of athletics and academics, and his passion for the welfare of student-athletes make him the perfect leader for the SEC,” he added in a statement.  “Greg Sankey’s experience with our institutions, his respect on the national landscape, his understanding of the balance of athletics and academics, and his passion for the welfare of student-athletes make him the perfect leader for the SEC.”

Sankey said: “The universities of the SEC represent the greatest combination of academic and athletic excellence and I am honored to be selected to follow Mike Slive as commissioner of the Southeastern Conference. The SEC is poised to make a difference in the lives of student-athletes for generations to come.  We must ensure that the lessons they learn from their achievements in competition and in the classroom translate into success in life after college.”