Baysinger Appointed Vice Chair of Division I National SAAC

Jan. 22, 2008

<?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>University of Kansas Track and Field student-athlete Matt Baysinger was appointed Vice Chair of the Division I National Student Athlete Advisory Committee during the NCAA Convention January 10 – 14 in Nashville, TN. He will preside as vice chair until January 2009, when he will assume the position of chair of the NCAA Division I National SAAC for one year.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

Baysinger was appointed as the Big 12 Conference’s representative to the NCAA SAAC in July 2007.

The Division I National SAAC consists of one student-athlete from each of the 31 Division I conferences. Members are selected by the current Division I SAAC members from a pool of three nominees from each conference. Each student-athlete serves a two-year term. The Division I SAAC reports directly to the Division I Management Council; two SAAC members participate in each meeting of the Management Council as nonvoting members. It is through this representation on the Management Council and other Division I and Association-wide committees that NCAA Division I student-athletes offer input and assist in shaping the proposed legislation by which their division is governed.

“SAAC has provided me an opportunity to demonstrate my leadership capabilities, and gain knowledge about the intricacies of intercollegiate athletics,” said Baysinger, a senior from Overland Park, KS. “So many changes are occurring in the NCAA right now, with legislation and new media affecting student-athletes, that it’s going to be more important than ever to have a strong voice for student-athletes to make sure that these changes are positive for every student-athlete, both at Kansas and at schools across the nation.”

Baysinger has been a leader on campus throughout his KU career. He has played a pivotal role in helping the Jayhawk SAAC become a dynamic and influential group on campus. Matt’s ability to handle a rigorous course load while pursuing audacious goals with SAAC was evident during the Spring 2006 semester. Matt, along with other SAAC leaders, led the effort to convince students to pass a student ballot referendum to increase student fees to provide additional support for KU’s women’s and non-revenue athletics teams. The referendum passed with more than 60% of the vote, and made national news among SAAC groups across the country.

“Matt has proven himself an outstanding leader on our campus,” said Kansas Athletics Director Lew Perkins. “We know that he will shine on the national level. Matt’s selection speaks volumes not only about him but also about the terrific student-athletes on KU’s SAAC. The NCAA leadership is fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Matt.”

Matt Baysinger Leadership Roles

2006 – Present – Jayhawk SAAC Executive Board

2006-07 – Vice Chair of Big 12 Conference SAAC

2007-08 – Chair of Big 12 Conference SAAC, Division I National SAAC member, NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests committee member

2008-09 – Vice Chair of Division I National SAAC.

2009-10 – Chair of Division I National SAAC

Jayhawk SAAC is a committee comprised of student-athlete representatives from all 18 KU Athletic teams. The purpose of SAAC is to provide student-athletes the opportunity to communicate more effectively with University of Kansas athletics administration, coaches and staff. It enables student-athletes to provide recommendations for the improvement of academic, athletic and social experiences. The committee encourages unity, common purpose and camaraderie among teams and all student-athletes. It also encourages community involvement through service projects and fundraisers.