Wayne Simien - Associate Athletics Director – Strategic Engagement - Staff Directory

Staff Directory

Wayne Simien

Title:
Associate Athletics Director – Strategic Engagement
Email:
Phone:
864-3946

Bio

Wayne Simien joined the Kansas Athletics department in August 2021 and currently serves as the Associate Athletics Director of Strategic Engagement. In this capacity, he is a key member of the executive staff, leading fundraising initiatives and driving leadership development for both student-athletes and staff. His work spans multiple sports programs and engages a diverse range of department stakeholders

Upon his arrival, Wayne played a pivotal role as a member of the advisory committee for the Kansas Athletics Strategic Plan, 'To the Stars.' This year-long initiative focused on defining the department's core values and strategic priorities—frameworks he continues to help implement and execute daily. Wayne has been instrumental in strengthening the culture and fostering competitive excellence within Kansas Athletics, including contributing to the successful hiring of head soccer coach Nate Lie and head volleyball coach Matt Ulmer, among others.

In his fundraising capacity, Wayne makes significant contributions to the record-breaking campaign that funds the transformative renovation projects of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and Allen Fieldhouse. His efforts also support the growth of NIL initiatives, season ticket sales, and philanthropic giving.

Wayne was invited to serve on the Big 12 Alumni Council, expanding his leadership and influence within the conference. He provides strategic advisory support to Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark and his executive team during the conference’s expansion. Additionally, Wayne collaborates with the Big 12 Business Advisory Council to drive key initiatives and mentor’s student-athletes to help them thrive both on and off the field. Beyond his administrative duties, Wayne enjoys offering his basketball insight as a color analyst for Kansas Men’s and Women’s Basketball on ESPN+.

Before joining Kansas Athletics, Wayne spent 12 years in the campus ministry and nonprofit sectors while also volunteering in the athletics department as an affiliate. A native of Leavenworth, Kansas, he was a two-time All-American and Big 12 Player of the Year for the Jayhawks. He played under both Roy Williams and Bill Self, contributing to teams that won three Big 12 championships and made two Final Four appearances. Wayne graduated from KU in 2005 with a degree in sociology and was later selected in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat, with whom he won an NBA Championship in 2006. His Kansas jersey was officially retired on January 29, 2011. Wayne and his wife, Katie, are raising five children.

Personal Info
Alma Mater: University of Kansas (2005)
Hometown: Leavenworth, Kansas
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Years	Background	Role
2025-Present	Kansas	Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Engagement
2021-25	Kansas	Associate Athletics Director for Engagement and Outreach
2009-21	Called to Greatness	Co-Founder and Development Director
2008-09	Caceres Basket Spain	Professional Basketball Player
2005-08	Miami Heat	Professional Basketball Player