Regents Defer Decision on Kennesaw State Football

Update, 10:38 a.m. Wednesday

John Millsaps, spokesman for the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, said "it's not uncommon for agenda items to be deferred because of the regents' desire for more information. The chancellor also noted in his report to the board (which is separate from the action item in committee on the KSU fee request) that the number of athletic-related fee requests  being submitted by institutions is an indication that a more systematic and coordinated approach to the review of such requests is in order. Currently we do this for academic programs."

Original report, 1:45 p.m. Tuesday

Today was supposed to be the final step in Kennesaw State's six-year quest to launch a football program.

"January 8th is finally here," KSU athletic director Vaughn Williams wrote on his Twitter account this morning. "Big day for Owl Nation! Stay positive today."

But officials at the state's third largest university announced this afternoon that the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia would take Kennesaw State University’s request for a football program "under further study."

"A decision on the proposed feasibility plan for the football and Title IX women’s sports programs at Kennesaw State University has been deferred," the school announced in a short statement on its website.

The school quickly canceled a briefing scheduled for Wednesday at the KSU Convocation Center.

It's not clear why the board postponed the decision. Its Committee on Finance and Business had recommended approval of President Daniel S. Papp's request to increase the athletic fee from $152 to $252 per semester to launch a football program and Title IX women’s athletic programs, according to the meeting agenda.

Kennesaw State officials were optimistic depsite today's setback.

"Kennesaw State University officials look forward to continuing to work with the Board of Regents," according to the statement on the website.

Stay with Kennesaw Patch for updates on this breaking news story.

Related content

• Jan. 8, 2013: Committee: Increase KSU Athletic Fee
• Jan. 4, 2013: Would You Attend a KSU Football Game?
• Jan. 3, 2013: Board to Consider Kennesaw's Request for Football Program
• Feb. 7, 2012: Kennesaw State Unveils Fight Song
• Sept. 15, 2011: Dooley Says KSU Football 3 Years Away
• June 24, 2011: KSU's Vaughn Williams Talks Community and Football
• Dec. 9, 2010: 
• Dec. 6, 2010: 

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