Dr. Kevin D. Kendrick joined the FIU Athletics Department in January 2020 as the Associate Athletic Director of Athletics for Compliance and was elevated to Senior Associate Athletics Director in November 2021.
Dr. Kevin D. Kendrick is a distinguished and results-driven athletics professional with over 15 years of leadership experience in compliance, fundraising, strategic planning, and sport administration. Currently serving as Senior Associate Athletic Director at Florida International University (FIU), Dr. Kendrick specializes in driving organizational success by building strong relationships with donors, alumni, and corporate partners, while ensuring the academic and athletic success of student-athletes. His expertise spans a diverse range of functions within intercollegiate athletics, including compliance, fundraising, strategic planning, and football program administration.
In recognition of his exemplary leadership in the field of athletics compliance, Dr. Kendrick was named the 2025 recipient of the NAAC Frank Kara Leadership Award, the most prestigious honor awarded by the National Association for Athletics Compliance (NAAC). This award is presented annually to a compliance professional who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to advancing the profession. Named in honor of the late Frank Kara, a pioneering compliance leader, the award underscores Dr. Kendrick’s national impact through mentorship, service, and the elevation of compliance standards across collegiate athletics.
In his current role, Dr. Kendrick oversees FIU’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) efforts, spearheading partnerships with leading organizations such as INFLCR, Influxer, EA Sports, Blueprint Collective, and Fanatics. He also played a role in assisting with FIU Athletics’ largest-ever philanthropic gift—$2 million from four stakeholders—further demonstrating his exceptional skills in developing and nurturing donor relationships. Dr. Kendrick’s work in NIL and fundraising underscores his ability to align institutional goals with priorities, ensuring both compliance and growth in a rapidly evolving landscape.
As a Football Sport Administrator, Dr. Kendrick provides comprehensive oversight for the FIU football program, offering strategic direction and leadership to enhance the student-athlete experience, performance, and overall program success. He is responsible for ensuring the program’s alignment with university objectives, NCAA regulations, and compliance with conference and institutional policies. He works closely with the football coaching staff, student-athletes, and support staff to address day-to-day operational needs, while also managing long-term strategic planning to advance the program’s competitive standing. His leadership in this capacity includes facilitating communication between the football program and university administration, resolving issues related to compliance, NIL, recruitment, and equipment management, and maintaining a high standard of integrity within the program.
Additionally, Dr. Kendrick has been instrumental in the development of FIU’s five-year athletics strategic plan, which focuses on enhancing athletic program resources, increasing brand awareness, improving fan engagement, and fostering a culture of competitive excellence. His strategic insights and collaborative efforts with university leadership, athletic staff, and external partners have played a significant role in advancing FIU Athletics’ standing.
Dr. Kendrick’s career in athletics compliance and administration spans several respected institutions, including Southern Illinois University, Alabama State University, and Grambling State University. His compliance work in these roles included ensuring adherence to NCAA and conference rules, providing guidance on eligibility, and developing educational programs to ensure all staff and student-athletes understand and uphold regulatory standards. As a member of the NCAA Division I Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement, he also contributes to shaping policies that preserve the integrity of collegiate athletics.
An advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Kendrick is committed to fostering inclusive environments within both the athletic department and broader university community. He has served as FIU’s Athletic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Designee and has been active in leadership roles on several diversity councils and advisory boards. Additionally, he is involved in the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) and the National Association for Athletics Compliance (NAAC), where he works to promote diversity and leadership opportunities within collegiate athletics.
Dr. Kendrick is also a committed community leader and a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he has made a significant impact through mentorship programs, community service initiatives, and advocacy for youth development and educational opportunities. His work with Omega Psi Phi has allowed him to leverage his platform to give back to his local community by engaging in programs that support the academic and personal growth of young people, particularly those from underserved backgrounds.
Dr. Kendrick holds a Doctor of Education in Education Administration/Higher Education from Southern Illinois University, an MBA with a focus in Finance from Argosy University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. His career is defined by his unwavering commitment to advancing the missions of the institutions he serves, developing student-athletes both on and off the field, and driving excellence in all aspects of athletics administration.
