MIDWAY, Ky. — Midway University has elected A&W Restaurants Chairman Kevin Bazner and WinStar Farm President Gerry Duffy to its Board of Trustees, adding experience in global business, franchising and the Thoroughbred industry as the university develops its business and equine programs.
The appointments bring two Central Kentucky business leaders to the board whose careers span international markets and industries closely connected to the region’s economy.
Bazner has more than 50 years of restaurant industry experience, including 29 years with A&W. Duffy brings leadership experience with major Thoroughbred operations, along with academic training in mathematics, engineering and business.
“Kevin has spent his career finding new ways to grow and reinvent an iconic brand, and Gerry brings a rare combination of global perspective and deep Kentucky roots,” said Donna Campbell, chair of Midway University’s Board of Trustees and a 1962 graduate.
“Their experience will be a tremendous asset to our students and to Midway as the university continues to grow. We are honored to welcome them both.”
Bazner’s career at A&W includes leading its International Division, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, beginning in 1988. He served as managing director of A&W International until 2000, when he became president and chief operating officer.
He held that position until Yum! Brands acquired A&W in 2003. Following the acquisition, Bazner remained involved in franchising as a consultant and investor and later served as president and chief operating officer of Smoothie King Corp.
He returned to A&W as president and CEO in October 2011, when a partnership of international and domestic A&W franchise partners purchased the brand from Yum! Brands. He became chairman in 2024.
His experience includes international expansion, franchise relationships and leadership through ownership transitions — areas relevant to Midway’s growing emphasis on business and entrepreneurship.
“Midway University is doing important work preparing the next generation of business leaders for the careers of the future,” Bazner said.
“Building a business, whether it’s a global brand or a new venture, takes sound business acumen, adaptability, and a willingness to take smart risks. I look forward to serving on the Midway board as the university continues to grow.”
Duffy, a native of County Kildare, Ireland, holds degrees in mathematics and mechanical engineering from Trinity College Dublin and an MBA from the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics.
He is also a graduate of Godolphin Flying Start, a leadership and management development program for the Thoroughbred industry.
His professional experience includes leadership roles with Godolphin, WinStar Farm, and Stonerside and Raceland Farms. In 2024, Modon Holding recruited him to Abu Dhabi to develop equestrian lifestyle communities. He has since returned to WinStar as president.
Duffy’s appointment adds both international experience and a connection to Kentucky’s Thoroughbred business as Midway works to strengthen relationships between its equine programs and the region’s equine community.
The university is also continuing to grow its James C. Bowling School of Business and expand degree offerings in accounting, finance, business and entrepreneurship.
Midway said the appointments reflect its effort to strengthen board leadership with trustees who offer varied professional expertise and ties to Central Kentucky.
Chartered in 1847, Midway University is a private, coeducational institution with a working horse farm on its campus. It serves nearly 2,100 students through traditional undergraduate programs, accelerated evening and online undergraduate and graduate programs, and dual-credit offerings.
Its career-focused majors include business, education, nursing, equine studies, exercise science, sport management, psychology, criminal justice and computer science.
About Midway University
Midway University is a private, coeducational university with a working horse farm located in Midway, Kentucky. Chartered in 1847, Midway serves more than 2,000 students in traditional semester undergraduate programs, accelerated format evening and online undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as dual credit programs. Midway University is known for offering affordable, career-focused majors such as education, business, nursing, equine studies, exercise science, sport management, psychology, criminal justice, and computer science.