MANHATTAN, Kan. (K-State Athletics) – BeEtta “Be” Stoney, longtime Kansas State University faculty athletics representative, died Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Stoney served as K-State’s faculty athletics representative for 13 years, 2010-2023, and worked closely with K-State Athletics and the Big 12 Conference on issues related to academic integrity, rules compliance and student-athlete welfare. She also was very active with the sport of women’s basketball following her hall of fame career at UTEP as she served on the NCAA women’s basketball rules committee during her time as the faculty athletics representative.

Stoney also served as the university’s interim chief diversity and inclusion officer from May 2021-Oct. 2022, as well as an associate professor of curriculum and instruction in the College of Education, where she was a member of the graduate faculty and chair of the college’s undergraduate academic reinstatement committee. She also coordinated the physical education and health program for the curriculum and instruction department.

Stoney joined K-State in 1999 as a race equity coordinator and technical consultant with the College of Education’s Midwest Equity Assistance Center. She was subsequently hired as an assistant professor of secondary education with the college in 2000 and was promoted to associate professor in 2005.

Before joining K-State, Stoney was a special education teacher and department chair at the middle school level.

Stoney earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education-special education/health education as well as a master’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Texas, El Paso. She earned a doctorate in special education/multicultural education from the University of Texas, Austin. An accomplished basketball player, she was inducted into the UTEP Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010 and ranks third all-time in UTEP career points with 1,249.

K-State leaders offer their condolences to Be’s family.

Richard Linton, Kansas State University president:
“Dr. Be Stoney was a valued faculty member in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education. She also had a tremendous passion for college athletics, which led her to serve as K-State’s presidentially appointed faculty athletics representative for the Big 12 for a number of years. She will be deeply missed within the K-State family and community, and her legacy of incredible service to students and student-athletes will never be forgotten.”

Gene Taylor, director of athletics:
“Today is a sad day upon learning of the passing of Dr. Be Stoney. She cared deeply for our university and played an enormous role in the development of our students and student-athletes. As our faculty athletics representative, she was a tremendous advocate for our coaches and student-athletes at both the conference and NCAA level and played a huge role in the overall advancement of the college athletics landscape. She will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with Michael and the entire family.”

Debbie Mercer, College of Education dean:
“Dr. Stoney was a strong student advocate. She held students to high standards and held them accountable when needed. She was a caring colleague and leaves a strong physical education program as part of her legacy to the College of Education.”