The University of Texas women’s track and field head coach Beverly Kearney has been placed on paid administrative leave, according to a University statement released Monday. Since Kearney became head coach in 1993, the Longhorns have won six team national championships and 20 conference championships.

The track team met Monday evening but was not made aware of the specifics of Kearney’s standing within the program or why she was on paid leave, according to a source.

UT publicized its decision in a Department of Athletics email sent to media outlets. Although it did not reveal specifics, the University cited a need to review issues pertaining to the program as the reasoning behind the decision.

The official University statement reads as follows:

“The University of Texas is reviewing issues pertaining to its women’s track and field program. Until this process is completed, head coach Beverly Kearney will be on paid administrative leave.”

Kearney, 54, is entering her 21st season as the women’s track and field coach and has led Texas to three outdoor national titles (1998, 1999, 2005) and three indoor championships (1998, 1999, 2006) during her tenure. In 2007 Kearney was enshrined into the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Kearney, the first African-American coach at Texas, has also been named National Coach of the Year three times and in her 20 years at Texas, 70 Longhorns have earned All-America status.

— Additional reporting by Trey Scott

Printed on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 as: Staff change leaves no tracks