At Arizona State University, leadership is often defined by innovation, compassion, and a commitment to elevating the student‑athlete experience. Few embody that spirit more fully than Bill Kennedy, Associate Athletic Director at ASU. Known for his steady presence, his relationship‑driven leadership style, and his deep belief in the power of community, Kennedy has become not only a respected administrator but also a powerful advocate for children battling pediatric brain tumors through his involvement with the Friends of Jaclyn (FOJ) Foundation.
Kennedy’s work at ASU places him at the intersection of athletics, student development, and community engagement. His role requires balancing the demands of a major Division I athletic department while ensuring that every program under his guidance reflects the values of integrity, opportunity, and service. Yet what sets Kennedy apart is his instinct to look beyond the field of play and recognize the human stories that give sports their deeper meaning.
That instinct is what led him to become a NEDvocate—a champion of FOJ’s mission to improve the quality of life for children with pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers. The NEDvocate movement, inspired by the acronym NED (No Evidence of Disease), encourages individuals to “gift, share, and wear” as a way of spreading kindness, connection, and hope. For Kennedy, the movement aligns perfectly with his belief that athletics is at its best when it serves something bigger than competition.
Through his support, ASU has opened its doors to children and families who are navigating the unimaginable. Kennedy has helped facilitate team adoptions, where Sun Devil student‑athletes welcome a child battling cancer into their program as an honorary teammate. These adoptions create lifelong bonds—moments of joy, belonging, and strength for children who need it 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 feeling is at the heart of the Friends of Jaclyn mission, and Kennedy has become one of its most committed 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—quiet, consistent, and deeply human—reflect the belief that kindness is contagious and that every person has the ability to affect the moment for someone else.
In a world where athletic departments are often measured by wins and losses, Bill Kennedy stands out for measuring success in impact, connection, and compassion. His work at ASU and his dedication to the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation remind us that leadership is not just about guiding programs—it’s about lifting people. And in that, he is truly a champion.
