Penn State’s athletic director, Pat Kraft, will be sticking around. An extension for Kraft was announced by the Penn State Board of Trustees, extending his tenure through June 30, 2032. This new deal calls for him to get paid $2.26 million annually, with performance-based bonuses up to $350,000 per year. This act shows how much confidence they have in Kraft’s leadership and vision. Kraft, in town just more than two years, has wasted little time making State College his home. While addressing the extension, he stated, “I love it here. We feel blessed and at peace. It’s been an amazing two years, and I’m excited to be here for a long time.”
Penn State Major Projects Ahead
As one of the major projects, Penn State under the leadership of Kraft, has embarked on improving athletic facilities. The projects include a $700-million Jean Yawkey Greenberg Sports Complex to renovate Beaver Stadium and another $68 million in facilities upgrades, with project completion expected in 2027. In this regard, Kraft noted that such projects are important for fostering the university’s athletic programs.
Kraft had also been a very strong supporter of upgrading the facilities for all their athletes. He mentioned how important those upgrades were for Olympic sports, which were still utilizing outdated facilities. Such improvements further illustrate Kraft’s support for the athletes outside of the football field.
During Kraft’s tenure, Penn State also secured significant donations. In the spring, the Misitano family and PAM Health gave $25 million, and an anonymous donor gave $10 million toward the renovation of Beaver Stadium. These gifts indicate an increase in support and faith in Penn State’s athletic program.
Penn State football coach James Franklin spoke with optimism regarding Kraft’s extension. He said Kraft’s familiarity with college athletics brings needed stability to the department. He is a fierce competitor with everything he does, Franklin added, praising Kraft’s work ethic and enthusiasm.
A Proven Leader
Before arriving at Penn State, Kraft was an AD for Temple and Boston College. His leadership has already found success, with six NCAA individual champions and a nationally ranked wrestling team. Complementing the successes coming from Kraft, Matthew Schuyler, chair of the Penn State Board of Trustees, said that Penn State Athletics is on the great path to success under his leadership.
Under this newly awarded contract, Pat Kraft will assert continual leadership over Penn State Athletics among serious transitions and enhancements. The future of Penn State also seems all the brighter with Kraft’s leadership fostering continued success and growth in the athletic department.
The contract extension of Pat Kraft is the ultimate endorsement of what is taking place on campus at Penn State. For a university making major facility upgrades and continuing to secure substantial donations, leadership like Kraft’s will be the driving force into the future.
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