School of Education & Human Sciences to honor 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Education & Human Sciences will honor alumnus Jason Booker with one of its top awards this spring.
Booker will be recognized with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award on May 17 at the school’s spring convocation ceremony at Allen Fieldhouse.
“Jason’s career reflects the kind of leadership and impact we hope to inspire in all our graduates,” said Rick Ginsberg, dean of the school. “We’re proud to honor his outstanding accomplishments."
Booker earned his bachelor’s degree in sport management from the school at KU in 1999. He currently serves as deputy athletics director for external affairs at Kansas Athletics, where he has led transformative growth across multiple areas since his return to the university in 2021. With nearly 30 years of experience in the sports business industry, Booker’s work spans marketing, licensing, premium seating and corporate partnerships, including seven years as senior director of corporate partnerships and broadcast sales for the Kansas City Royals. Prior to joining the Royals, Booker spent time at TCU, the University of Oklahoma and the University of South Carolina.
Since rejoining KU, Booker has played a pivotal role in marketing and sales strategies for major facility projects, including the $445 million reimagining of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and the $55 million renovation of Allen Fieldhouse. Under his leadership, Kansas Athletics has seen a 47% increase in ticket revenue and 40% overall revenue growth in just four years.
He also oversaw the creation of Jayhawk Creative Services, an in-house agency supporting creative, design and social media for all athletic programs. Additionally, Booker serves as sport administrator for Kansas women’s soccer and led the hiring committee of head coach Nate Lie, who won the Big 12 Championship in his first season.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Booker has dedicated significant time to community leadership. He recently served as chair of the board for the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation, where he helped bring the 2023 NFL Draft, the 2026 FIFA World Cup and multiple NCAA championships to the Kansas City region. He also serves on the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce board, strengthening connections between Kansas Athletics and the local business community.
The Distinguished Alumni Awards are the highest honor the School of Education & Human Sciences bestows upon its alumni. Award recipients demonstrate ongoing, exceptional professional, academic or research achievement and contribution to the community at the local, state, national or international levels.