Zenger revamps responsibilities as Van Saun prepares to retire from full-time work

LAWRENCE, Kan. – As Kansas Athletics’ Senior Woman Administrator Debbie Van Saun prepares to retire from full-time work later this year after nearly 10 years of service, Kansas Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger has revamped the responsibilities currently associated with her position.

 Nicole CorcoranZenger has promoted Nicole Corcoran, Associate Athletics Director – Operations, to Senior Associate Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator, effective July 1.  Zenger also announced that Etienne Thomas, currently Senior Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations at North Carolina Central University, will join KAI as the Associate Athletics Director for Student Life.
 
“I’m really looking forward to Nicole and Etienne assuming these roles,” Zenger said, “I know that their experience and dedication will greatly benefit our coaches and student-athletes.”
 
Corcoran, who has been with Kansas Athletics since February 2009, will continue her current duties and will represent Kansas at the Big 12 Conference and NCAA levels.  She will also assume oversight of women’s basketball and men’s and women’s golf.
 
“Nicole is a trusted member of our senior team,” Zenger said.  “In her eight years on staff, she has built many solid relationships both within the department and with our University partners.  Her prior experience in state government benefits us as well. (Corcoran was press secretary for former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius.) We are very excited to expand her role.”
 
 Etienne ThomasThomas, who is NCCU’s Senior Woman Administrator, is the athletic department’s primary Title IX officer and the university’s deputy Title IX officer. In addition to those responsibilities, her efforts have centered on academics, compliance and sport oversight.  She also has experience in committee work within the NCAA structure.
 
Thomas will serve as KAI’s liaison with KU’s Office of Institutional Opportunity & Access (IOA). She will oversee Diversity, Gender Equity & Inclusion education and training for student-athletes and staff, as well as student conduct for the Athletics department. Thomas will also serve as the sports supervisor for rowing.  She will start at KU July 17.
 
“I am really excited to bring in someone of the caliber of Etienne, who is on the cutting edge of so many of the issues related to the student-athlete experience,” Zenger said. “She will be a great addition to our leadership team.”
 
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