KANSAS — The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Board of Presidents has approved the hiring of Brandon Buchanan as the conference's next commissioner, the conference office announced Friday.

Buchanan steps into the role after serving as the conference's assistant commissioner of operations since August 2024. In his brief time in the KCAC, Buchanan has quickly taken on a variety of roles, including, but not limited to:

• Managing day to day operations, policies, and procedures 
• Managing the conference's awards programs 
• Managing all conference championship events 
• Sponsorship development & re-engagement--seeking funding through philanthropic giving 
• Revising conference sports guidelines, championship manuals, and policies 
• Work in scheduling, regular season, and postseason conference operations 
• Work in the conference budget, managing revenues and expenses 
• Scheduling, managing, and setting locations of conference championships 

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the KCAC Board of Presidents and the Athletic Directors for their trust and the opportunity to partner with our 14 institutions to help lead this historic conference," Buchanan remarked. "This is truly an honor, a privilege, and a dream come true to have an impact like this in collegiate athletics, and serve so many." 

"I couldn't be more excited to continue the work we have already done together, and only look to continue those efforts going forward to help make this conference the best it can be and be one of the best in the country,"

Prior to joining the conference in 2024, Buchanan worked for the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) from 2016-2024. He began as the organization's UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) & Premier Sports Operations Coordinator, moving up to the UFC Operations Program Lead position, then to the UFC Operations Manager, and finally serving as the organization's business development manager.

"We are very excited to elevate Brandon to KCAC Commissioner," Dr. Jon Gering, Presdient of Bethel College and Chair of the KCAC Board of Presidents, said. "Over the last year, he demonstrated responsibility, tenacity, and loyalty to the conference.  He brings continuity to our organization.  His passion for intercollegiate athletics and the student-athlete experience was evident during his interview.  We were impressed with his academic preparation for the position."

Buchanan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Administration, with a minor in business, from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2011, where he played baseball. He then earned his Master of Science degree in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration with an emphasis in Sports Management from California University of Pennsylvania in 2014.
 

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