Lew Perkins, an influential figure in the NCAA and a longtime college administrator who played basketball at Iowa before working as the athletic director at multiple campuses passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. He was 78 years old when he passed away.
Kansas Athletics announced the death of former athletic director Lew Perkins. They said after serving as Kansas’ athletic director from June 2003 until September 2011, during which time the school’s men’s basketball team won the national title Perkins passed away.
There was no official word on what killed Perkins. People are showing condolences towards the star on social media. One user wrote, “Rest in peace, Lew.”
Sad news. Former KU AD Lew Perkins has died at the age of 78. A family member shared the info with me. Story coming. Rest in peace, Lew.
— Gary Bedore (@GaryBedore) July 19, 2023
Another person wrote, “RIP Godfather”.
RIP to The Godfather #LewPerkins #kubball @KUAthletics @KUHoops pic.twitter.com/wLvllYYy73
— JasonWilliamSpencer (@RockChalkSpence) July 20, 2023
One fan wrote, “RIP to a legendary Jayhawk. Lew Perkins dedicated 40 great years to athletics.”
RIP to a legendary Jayhawk. Lew Perkins dedicated 40 great years in athletics ending as a Kansas Jayhawk serving as AD. Forever grateful for his dedication and commitment towards KU. pic.twitter.com/16v5hhLznk
— Colton Neu (@NeuColton) July 20, 2023
Jane Birkin is one of fashion’s most iconic heroines. Recently we remember her lasting impact on fashion and society after her death at 76. Read our tribute post for a deeper look at her life:
In 2005, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame elected Perkins to its Board of Trustees. His involvement with the NCAA continued with his service on the Bowl Certification Committee and the NCAA Championships and Competition Cabinet.
Perkins was born in Massachusetts and attended the University of Iowa to play basketball for Hall of Fame coach Ralph Miller from 1965 to 1967.
Later in life, he moved into administrative roles first as athletic director and later as basketball coach at the University of South Carolina–Aiken where he was instrumental in the institution’s transformation from a junior college into a four-year university.
In 2005, Perkins made a return trip to USC-Aiken to accept an honorary degree. He later became Penn’s associate athletic director before landing the AD position at Wichita State which was on probation at the time.
He hired successful basketball coach Eddie Fogler and made the contentious decision to discontinue the school’s football team in an effort to cut costs.
In 1987, Perkins moved to Maryland, where the Terrapins’ men’s basketball program was still hurting from the loss of standout player Len Bias. During his brief tenure, the Terps won a national championship under Gary Williams, who was hired by Perkins.
Our condolences and prayers are with Lew’s family. You can also share your condolences towards his family in the comment box. Follow our Twitter account and stay updated with the latest news related to what happened around you including death news, cause of death, autopsy reports, obituary and more.