University Dally Kansan, February 27, 1981
Page 9
Novotny's resignation leaves gap
By REBECCA CHANEY Staff Reporter
Athletic department talk about finding a replacement for Williams Fund director John Novotny has varied on all points but one; it will be a difficult task.
"We're going to have to hire four people to replace him," Athletic Director Bob Marcum said jokingly.
Novotny, 41, resigned earlier this month to become national sales manager for Packer Plastics Company of Lawrence.
His last day as director of the large, athletic scholarship fund in the Big Eight Conference is Saturday. A successor has not been named. Marcum said athletic department officials still were reviewing applications.
BUT OFFICIALS said they would not rush the search.
Head Football Coach Don Fam-
"In the coaching field, it'd be like following Bear Bryant," Fambrough said. "There are probably a lot of people who do not know what the job entails."
brough, who worked under Novatty as assistant director of the Williams Fund 1975-1978, said it would take "a special person" to take Novatty's place.
Since the Williams Fund was reorganized in 1974 under Novotny's direction, nearly $4.5 million has been raised. Yearly contributions have increased from $290,000 to $1.1 million, and membership has grown to 3.500.
"There's no one better in the field of scholarship programs than John," Marcum said.
Novotny has been invited to speak at
As director of the fund, Novotny worked closely with the Alumni Association, the Endowment Association and the athletic department.
workshops across the country on fundraising and scholarship programs since becoming director of the Williams Fund.
"The job requires a vast knowledge of all KU sports, the coaches, what's going on, who's been recruited," Fambrough said. "It takes an unlimited amount of patience. The alumni seem to feel, and maybe right so, that they should get something in return for the money they contribute."
Fambrough said a new director would need to understand public relations, athletic department
operations and how to get information on KU graduates from the alumni office, as well as how to raise funds
"Alums like thinking they are helping some individual through school." Fambrigh said. "It's also tax deductible, and they are interested in that, believe me. He convinces them that he has something to sell."
Fambrough said the responsibilities of the director required an unlimited amount of patience.
"John Novatny is the only person I know who could seat you in Tonganoxie and make you think you were sitting on the 50-yard line," he said.
NOVOTNY HIMSELF refuses to acknowledge the expansion of the fund as personal achievement.
said. "The coaches and the athletic director—that's who the alumni want to hear talk about Kansas athletics is the behind-the-scenes worker."
"Heck, I'm the insignificant one," he
Novotny said he would continue to be involved with KU athletics after his resignation.
"He has agreed to assist in some of the projects already in the works," Marcum said. "We're not going to let John get away from athletics at the University. We want to keep him involved as long as he's in Lawrence."
Novotny joined the KU athletic staff 13 years ago as an academic counselor. He was promoted to assistant athletic director in charge of business in 1970. Four years later, he took charge of the Williams Fund.
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