Siegfried joins the Purple Aces program from CSU Bakersfield
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Turning the page into a new era of Purple Aces athletics, University of Evansville President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz announced the hiring of Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy†Siegfried as the new Director of Athletics. Siegfried will officially be introduced today at a 2:00 p.m. press conference inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse.
“I have been delighted with our partnership with Turnkey. They listened to our campus community and especially our student athletes, attracting a world class pool of candidates,†said Pietruszkiewicz. “We hired a leader with a proven track record of success for our athletic department, our University, and our community. We said we would hire the right person for UE — and we did.â€
Siegfried joins the University of Evansville from California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) where he has served as the Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs since August of 2015. In his role at CSUB, Siegfried has successfully led an athletic program that is comprised of 16 varsity sports programs with over 300 student-athletes and 90 employees. One of the highlights of his tenure at CSUB was when he succeeded in securing an invitation for CSUB to join the Big West Conference.
“It is an honor to join the University of Evansville, the athletic department, and the Evansville community. This is a special place with a great deal of potential,†Siegfried said. “I would like to thank President Pietruszkiewicz for presenting me with this opportunity. My appreciation also goes out to the advisory committee and TurnkeyZRG.â€
Siegfried transformed the athletic department during his tenure at CSUB through the development of a new strategic plan, the creation of a comprehensive master facilities plan, and the commencement of a variety of major construction projects. Under his direction, CSUB generated the largest amount of revenue in the history of the department while achieving high ticket sales and securing significant donations and corporate sponsorships.
Putting an emphasis on academics is a pivotal part of Siegfried’s blueprint. During his tenure, CSUB set records in Graduation Success Rates (GSR), departmental GPAs, and Academic Progress Rates (APR). Siegfried has also been active at the university, conference, and national level throughout his career. On a national level, he serves on the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) Board and is in his third year serving on the NCAA Accelerating Academic Success Program Committee.
At the conference level, he serves on the Big West Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, the D1-AAA Athletics Directors Association Scholar-Athlete Team Committee and has served on the conference championships committee for both the Western Athletic Conference and the Big West Conference.
“I am excited to lead a talented group of student-athletes, coaches, and staff members as we strive to be the best at what we do in the classroom, in competition, and in the community. Together, we will strive to give our student-athletes an experience that is second to none,†Siegfried added. “The Purple Aces are Evansville’s team, and we are going to actively engage our community from day one. My wife, my children, and I are excited to call Evansville home.â€
Prior to his arrival in Bakersfield, Siegfried worked at the University of Memphis for eight years on the Senior Staff within the Athletics Department while serving on the University fundraising leadership team during a successful $250 million campaign. During his time at U of M, Siegfried helped to raise $16 million that went into the transformation of the athletic facilities.
Siegfried attended the University of Memphis where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education and sports management in 2003. He earned his Master of Science in sports administration from Middle Tennessee State University in 2004 and completed his Doctor of Education from the University of Memphis in 2019. A native of Memphis, Siegfried and his wife, Karen, have five children: William, Samuel, Caroline, Miriam, and their late sister Delilah.
1800   President John Adams signed the Harrison Land Act which allowed settlers to purchase property in the Northwest Territory on credit. The new law, named for its author, William Henry Harrison, allowed buyers to purchase 320 acres for a 25% down payment. The remainder would be due in installments spread over four years.  The price was set at two dollars an acre.  As a result, many more people were able to purchase property and migrate into the territory.
1846   President James Polk declared war on Mexico. Three days later, the Secretary of War called on Indiana Governor James Whitcomb to supply three regiments of infantry or riflemen, a total of approximately 3,000 men.  The quota was met within three weeks.  Volunteers responded to recruiting meetings in cities all around the state.  Hoosier women also became heavily involved, making uniforms, banners and flags.  The soldiers were sent to Camp Clark near New Albany for training. Brigadier General Joseph Lane was placed in charge.
1869   At a special session called by Governor Conrad Baker, the Indiana General Assembly passed a law that admitted African American children to public schools.  The legislation said, “In assessing taxes for school purposes, there shall be no omissions or distinctions made on account of race or color; but each and every person’s property, of every kind or description, shall be assessed the same as any other person’s property for the same purpose.† The state left it up to each community to carry out the provisions of the new law.
1884   Paris C. Dunning died in Bloomington. He had served as the ninth Governor of Indiana (1848-1849.) He had also been an Indiana House member, Indiana Senator, Senate President Pro Tempore, and Lieutenant Governor. He is the only person in state history to have served in all of these offices.  As governor, he led the Indiana General Assembly in passing a resolution sent to Congress which opposed the expansion of slavery across the United States.
1911   The Studebaker Company introduced the latest model of their electric car. “It gives time to think from streetcar crowds and street annoyances,†the ad said, “and goes anywhere, anytime, to the theater, about town, into the country.â€Â The company, based in South Bend, had become famous for its wagons and carriages. Electric cars were produced from 1902 until 1912, when production turned to gasoline engines. The electric model had four speeds and could go up to 18 mph.
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