Sankey is currently in his 13th year with the SEC and has served as the league’s Executive Associate Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer since 2012.
Sankey will assume the role of commissioner when Slive’s retirement becomes official on July 31, 2015.
"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 Nick Zeppos, chancellor of Vanderbilt and president of the SEC presidents and chancellors. "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."
Arkansas chancellor Dr. David Gearhart, who headed a search committee that also consisted of four other SEC presidents, said that Sankey “possesses all of the traits” the committee was searching for.
"He has shown tremendous leadership in his existing role in the conference office and he exudes a passion for the student-athlete that is critical for the new era of college athletics that we have entered. He is the right person to lead the SEC at an important time in our history," Gearhart said.
According to the SEC’s release, Sankey has “been an integral part of the SEC’s efforts to reshape the league’s governance, enforcement and compliance program” and has also “directed the SEC’s championships staff.” Sankey has also worked with on the NCAA’s Division I Legislative Council, Committee on Academic Performance and is the chairman for the NCAA Committee on Infractions.
"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," Sankey said. "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."
Before his time with the SEC, Sankey was the commissioner of the Southland Conference for close to seven years. He also worked in compliance at Northwestern State and Utica College.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Greg Sankey named new SEC commissioner
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