Kennedy’s work at ASU places him at the intersection of athletics, student development and community involvement. His role requires balancing the demands of a major Division I athletics department while ensuring that each program under his leadership reflects the values of integrity, opportunity and service. But what sets Kennedy apart is his instinct to look beyond the playing field and recognize the human stories that give sport deeper meaning.
That instinct led him to become a NED attorney – a champion of FOJ’s mission to improve the quality of life for children with childhood brain tumors and other forms of childhood cancer. The NEDvocate movement, inspired by the acronym NED (No Evidence of Disease), encourages individuals to “give, share and contribute” as a way to spread kindness, connection and hope. For Kennedy, the movement aligns perfectly with his belief that athletics is at its best when it serves something greater than the competition.
Through his support, ASU has opened its doors to children and families navigating the unimaginable. Kennedy helped facilitate team adoption, in which Sun Devil student-athletes welcome a child battling cancer into their program as an honorary teammate. These adoptions create lifelong bonds: moments of joy, connection, and strength for children who need them most, and perspective and purpose for the athletes who embrace them.
Kennedy’s leadership ensures that these experiences are not treated as one-time gestures, but as meaningful relationships rooted in empathy and respect. He understands that when a child walks into a locker room and is greeted like a teammate, something powerful happens: they feel seen, valued and part of a team again. That sentiment is at the heart of Friends of Jaclyn’s mission, and Kennedy has become one of the most dedicated ambassadors in the collegiate athletics world.
As a NEDvocate, Kennedy proudly wears the symbol of the movement and encourages others to do the same. But more importantly, he lives it. His actions – calm, consistent and deeply human – reflect the belief that kindness is contagious and that every person has the power to impact the moment for someone else.
In a world where athletic departments are often measured in wins and losses, Bill Kennedy stands out by measuring success in terms of impact, connection and compassion. His work at ASU and his commitment to the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation remind us that leadership isn’t just about guiding programs – it’s about lifting people up. And he is truly a champion at that.
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