Jim Host is founder of Host Communications, Inc., a nationally renowned college sports marketing and association management company. He grew up in Kentucky and played baseball at the University of Kentucky before joining the Chicago White Sox farm system. Host served as the first executive director of Rupp Arena, founding chairman of the Kentucky Horse Park Commission, chairman of Louisville Arena Authority, and secretary of commerce for Kentucky. He received the Kentuckian of the Year Award from the Chandler Foundation, the Champion of Diversity Award from the Louisville Urban League, the Kentucky Broadcasters Distinguished Kentuckian Award, and honorary doctorates from the University of Kentucky, the University of Pikeville, and Kentucky State University.
Eric A. Moyen is associate professor and department head of Educational Leadership at Mississippi State University. He is the author of Frank McVey and the University of Kentucky: A Progressive President and the Modernization of a Southern University.