Sheahon Jay Zenger (born April 13, 1966) has three decades of experience in academic and athletic administration, development, and coaching. Zenger serves as the interim president for the University of New Haven, a position he has held since July 2022. Earlier in his career, he held one of the highest-level athletics director positions in the nation at the

University of Kansas The University of Kansas (KU) is a public research university with its main campus in Lawrence, Kansas, United States, and several satellite campuses, research and educational centers, medical centers, and classes across the state of Kansas. T ...

. He also served as athletic director at 

Illinois State University Illinois State University (ISU) is a public university in Normal, Illinois. Founded in 1857 as Illinois State Normal University, it is the oldest public university in Illinois. The university emphasizes teaching and is recognized as one of th ...

Academic Administration

University of New Haven

Zenger became interim president of the University of New Haven on July 1, 2022, as part of an innovative leadership transition plan designed to build upon the university’s rich success and to position it for continued long-term growth.

Texas Christian University

Prior to joining the University of New Haven, worked closely with the chancellor at Texas Christian University.

Athletic Administration

University of New Haven

Zenger was introduced as the director of athletics and recreation at the  University of New Haven on September 5, 2019, succeeding former NFL head coach  Chris Palmer, who retired from the school's athletic director position in June 2019. Zenger was hired to direct the university's exploration of a potential move from NCAA Division II to Division I, oversee construction of new athletic facilities, as well as guide the  New Haven Department of Athletics' multi-million capital fundraising campaign for athletics.

University of Kansas

In January 2011, Zenger was named the next athletics director for the University of Kansas. One month later on February 1, 2011, Zenger officially took over the Kansas Athletics Department after the school was battling a ticket scandal from former employees. During his time at Kansas, Zenger has hired two football coaches,

Charlie Weis Charles Joseph Weis Sr. (born March 30, 1956) is a former American football coach. He was the head coach for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 2005 to 2009 and the Kansas Jayhawks from 2012 to 2014. He also served as an offensive coordinator ...

and David Beaty in hopes to produce a winning program. Since September 2017, Zenger has spearheaded a $350 million campaign to renovate Memorial Stadium and rename it to the "David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium", after alumni David Booth pledged $50 million to the Athletics Department. During his tenure at Kansas the athletics department built nine new facilities. Zenger was fired on May 21, 2018 due to a "lack of progress" within the department.

Illinois State

In April 2005, Zenger was named the next athletic director at

. While at Illinois State, Zenger focused on athletes' academics increasing their grade point averages, resulting in more scholarship opportunities through donors. Zenger also contracted with

Nike Nike often refers to: * Nike (mythology), a Greek goddess who personifies victory * Nike, Inc., a major American producer of athletic shoes, apparel, and sports equipment Nike may also refer to: People * Nike (name), a surname and feminine give ...

and multi-million dollar renovations to athletic facilities.

References

External links

New Haven bio
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zenger, Sheahon 1966 births Fort Hays State Tigers football players Illinois State Redbirds athletic directors Kansas Jayhawks athletic directors Kansas Jayhawks football coaches Kansas State University alumni Living people MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers football players Sportspeople from Salina, Kansas South Florida Bulls football coaches University of Kansas alumni Wyoming Cowboys football coaches