After 35 Years of Service, Beloved Wildcats Leader Reflects on Career*
**LEXINGTON, Ky.** — The University of Kentucky Athletics Department is honoring one of its most influential figures this week as **Jim Madaleno**, Senior Associate Athletics Director, prepares to step away from his full-time role following a **35-year tenure** that helped shape UK’s rise to national prominence.
### **A Legacy of Leadership**
Madaleno, who joined Kentucky Athletics in **1989**, became a cornerstone of the department’s operations, overseeing critical areas including:
– **Facilities & Operations**: Spearheaded $300M+ in upgrades (Kroger Field renovations, Joe Craft Football Training Center)
– **Event Management**: Orchestrated SEC Tournaments, NCAA Championships, and UK’s game-day experiences
– **Mentorship**: Guided generations of administrators, including current AD **Mitch Barnhart**
“Jim’s fingerprints are on every major achievement in our modern era,” Barnhart said. “His wisdom and work ethic are irreplaceable.”
### **Career Highlights**
– **1996**: Played key role in Rupp Arena’s transformation into a premier basketball venue
– **2010s**: Led logistics for UK’s football facility boom under Mark Stoops
– **2022**: Received SEC’s Michael L. Slive Distinguished Service Award
### **Tributes Pour In**
– **John Calipari**: “He made the impossible happen daily. Our 2012 title run doesn’t happen without his team.”
– **Tim Couch**: “From my recruiting visit to today, Jim treated everyone like family.”
### **What’s Next**
Madaleno will transition to a **part-time advisory role** this fall while enjoying more time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. A public celebration is planned for the **Florida football game (Sept. 14)**.
**Suggested Visuals**:
1. **Historic photo**: Madaleno with Rupp Arena blueprints (1990s)
2. **Candid moment**: Laughing with Calipari during 2015 Final Four
*Final Thought*: As UK enters a new era of NIL and conference realignment, Madaleno’s legacy—built on **loyalty, innovation, and quiet excellence**—remains the program’s foundation
