Tim Kenney is Director of Athletics at St. Bonaventure University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management and exercise science at the University of Buffalo. He also holds a master’s degree in sports administration and physical education from Florida State University. Kenney was an All-American and Academic All-American swimmer at the University at Buffalo. Before coming to St. Bonaventure in 2015, he was the executive associate athletic director at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Jandoli School of Communication student Osun Osunniyi, a member of the Bonnies basketball team, interviewed Kenney about his career and his connection with a popular rock ‘n’ roll band.
TAPinto Greater Olean: What was going through your mind about athletics during the summer in regard to the pandemic?
Kenney: During this summer I had three main thoughts that I focused on. The first was how do I lead a department that will be facing many challenges (fiscal, health, logistics)? How can I keep people’s spirits up with a lot of fear and uncertainty all around us? The second was how we effectively communicate with all of our constituents. This includes staff, student-athletes, families, other areas of the institution and our greater Bonnie Community. Finally, the last thought that I kept focusing on was how do we provide the safest environment for everyone when school was back in session so the student-athletes can do what they love, play their respective sport?
TAPinto Greater Olean: What is your connection with the band the Grateful Dead?
Kenney: Well it started back when I was in high school. My friend Lisa Mines’ uncle was Jerry Garcia’s personal manager. He would have us come to the concerts at Giants Stadium, where he would bring us backstage, and we could watch the show and meet the band. This was the beginning. What I really like about the Grateful Dead is that no two shows are ever alike. This makes each show an experience that kept me coming back for more.
TAPinto Greater Olean: What is your favorite thing about being the athletic director here at St. Bonaventure?
Kenney: My favorite thing is getting to know the student-athletes and watching them grow year by year into successful young adults. I get to help them achieve their goals and that is great.
TAPinto Greater Olean: What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you’re not working?
Kenney: In my free time, I love spending time with my family. Watching the kids play sports and just hanging out with them. I also like to go fly-fishing, and I am teaching myself guitar.
TAPinto Greater Olean: Who or what was your inspiration to get into the career field that you are in?
Kenney: My dad played a big part of me being where I am. He was a high school athletic director on Long Island for 20-plus years. I grew up playing on the fields of his school and going with him to games on the weekends. I guess you can say it was in the Kenney genes, but I believe watching him inspired me to do the same just on another level. One other inspiration was a gentleman by the name of Bill Breene, who was a senior associate AD at Buffalo where I was a student-athlete. He allowed me to intern with him and showed me the ropes in collegiate athletics. He is still a dear friend to this day.
TAPinto Greater Olean: What is your favorite memory while working as the athletic director at St. Bonaventure?
Kenney: I have two: Being selected for the 2018 NCAA basketball tournament and the first game of the men’s lacrosse program.
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