Friday, April 18, 1975
11
Walker discusses Title IX, communication.
From Page Four
things from a positive standpoint and like to see positive things written as opposed to negative. Of course I understand the basic reason why it is to report things as they see them. We both have a relationship with the news media and very definitely feel that they are an asset to us.
KANSAN: When do you expect to hear the specifications for the TIX IU guidelines?
WALKER: It is my understanding now that HEW has completed its work and has sent the guidelines to the President. They will be able to send me saying they'll be ready January 1. One of the latest things I've heard that it may be August. Of course they must be signed by the President before they become law. I am confident we will beijing or early summer before we have them.
KANSAN: Last year you said that Title
Dance is one of our college athletics.
D you still think that?
WALKER: Well, I certainly think that it could. The main objection of athletic directors across the country is that if the men's current income would have to support another complete athletic program, it might be impossible for the men's program to do so.
I have said before and I'll say it again; I have no objections whatsoever to a women's athletic program. The only thing I object to is not allowing for us to support any additional programs.
I think we've been very fortunate here in that the Student Senate and the state legislature have seen fit to give financial support to the women's program. As long as they'll continue to do that, naturally, we'll continue to support it in every way we can.
KANSAN: You have been criticized in the past as having had too much of a free hand in making decisions on the athletic board and not consulting the other members enough. How would you reply to those charges?
WALKER: I certainly don't feel that this has happened. Like other areas we've discussed, I think there is a lack of communication. I think the by-laws of the athletic board have been somewhat ambiguous. I believe it's that there has always existed a lack of understanding as to the authority of the athletic board and athletic director.
With the revision of the by-laws that recently has been completed, I think these problems probably won't exist anymore. In my opinion, it's simply a matter of understanding the role of the board and the athletic director. I certainly feel I've had a good working relationship with the athletic board and I hope it will continue.
KANSAN: The chancellor KUAC study group came out with its report on this subject last December. Many of the board members have said they're still not sure
what the relationship of the board is with
the athletes? Do you think the role of the
athletic board is?
WALKER: The role of the athletic board is to make policy and the role of the athletic director is to carry out that policy. In the by-laws, it's stated that the athletic director has the functions of those of a chief executive officer of a corporation, who handles the day-to-day business of that particular corporation.
I think this has been part of the misunderstanding with some of the members on the board as to just how much involvement they have or should have in the day-to-day work of the team. It was better understanding of that relationship now than has existed since I've been here.
KANSAN: You think you have allowed the board enough input in decision making?
WALKER: I would say they've been given the opportunity to participate in policy making procedures. As far as decisions are concerned, it's very difficult for a board that meets only a few times a year to be involved in decisions, because decisions are made daily, weekly and monthly.
KANSAN: Have you received much backlash from the Fambroch resignation?
WALKER: Not particularly. Any reaction
KANSAN: Have contributions decreased because of that?
that occurred was an emotional reaction. The majority of that has subsided.
WALKER: No, they have not. In fact, the indications are that we are raising more money for our cause.
KANSAN: Ted Owens recently got an extension on his contract when he had one year remaining, the same situation Fambrough was in when he didn't get an extension. Dill the Fambrough situation affect on giving Owens his extension at this time?
WALKER; None whatsoever.
KANSAN: the athletic board consulted before extending Owens' contract?
WALKER: Yes they were. The athletic board, the chancellor and the Board of Regents were consulted and gave approval before the extension was made.
KANSAN: Bob Timmons' contract runs
for you, and just as 'Owens' did.
Do you plan an extended stay?
WALKER: My philosophy is that there should only be two people in the athletic department who have a contract: the head football coach and the head basketball coach. This is a matter that I plan to bring before the board. I have no plans to
recommend an extension on his contract, although I'm very pleased with Coach Timmons as the head track coach. I hope that he will continue on a year to year basis with us in that capacity, like the other members of the athletic department.
KANSAN: I'd like to change the subject now toward your personal plans. What is your ultimate goal?
WALKER: I'm there.
Chancellor Dykes will leave in a year. Will you stay if he leaves?
WALKER: I think I'm as high as I can go in college athletics. This was my goal to go to a position such as this. I have no aspirations past this particular type of job.
WALKER: No higher?
WALKER: I hope I'm able to stay here the rest of my life. Chancellor Dykes has been very supportive of our athletic program. He was one of the reasons that I decided to accept this position. I hope there's nothing to the rumor that he will leave. I hope he stays here as long as I do. How am I done plan to stay at
KANSAN: There have been rumors that
KANSAN : How long do you plan to stay at KU?
WALKER: I have no plans ever to do anything else except stay here at KU.
KANSAN: If you could do anything differently with your life, what would you do?
something differently. If I had the ability and could start my life over again, I'd probably want to be a professional golfer.
KANSAN: A golfer? Why?
WALKER: Well, I enjoy playing golf. It looks intriguing and exciting to play on the professional golf tour. Certainly there's a reason to be made for the great ones on the tour.
I have no regrets about my profession or my life. I'm completely happy and really wouldn't want to change anything, I think athletics have been a great life. I've made a lot of friends and have met a lot of people. I'm completely happy in my job and I'm very happy here at the University of Kansas.
WALKER: I guess everybody has dreams of being something else and doing
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