Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 13, 1993                   TAG: 9305130090
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: KANSAS CITY, MO.                                LENGTH: Medium

FINDING A REPLACEMENT FOR SCHULTZ WILL BE TOUGH SEARCH

Six years ago when Dick Schultz replaced retiring Walter Byers, the job description underwent dramatic change. Instead of a low-profile, administrator/office manager, the NCAA sought a goodwill ambassador, someone to travel the country and spread the word of the organization.

For Schultz, who resigned Tuesday amid allegations he knew of an improper loan program at Virginia while he was UVa's athletic director, it was a perfect fit. A gregarious sort and licensed pilot, Schultz enjoyed flying the NCAA's private plane around the nation. He spent almost every weekend visiting a different campus.

"Dick Schultz made more friends for the NCAA than anybody else in history," said Gregory O'Brien of New Orleans, chairman of the NCAA Presidents Commission.

But now, with a presidents-driven reform movement aimed at restoring public confidence and bringing college sports under the control of presidents, the job description may change again.

Some are saying no one with a heavy sports background need apply. Without question, the Presidents Commission, which has taken control of the NCAA's legislative process, will have a bigger voice.

"We will approve the appointment," O'Brien said.

Another difference is the joint policy board. In 1987, it didn't exist. Created by a vote of NCAA schools in January, the board consists of the NCAA Administrative Committee and the four officers of the Presidents Commission. Under NCAA bylaws, the executive committee and the joint policy board have supervision over the staff, including the executive director.

"I think that's going to put a different balance in the decision-making, a different focus," said Claire Gaudiani, president of Connecticut College and one of the four Presidents Commission officers.

"The most important thing I and a number of presidents are looking for is a person who will put the reform agenda right up front," Gaudiani said. "It may even be this is the time to have one of the presidents designated."

"I would like to have a person very much like Dick Schultz, someone with the same kind of professional qualities," said president Arend Lubbers of Grand Valley State, another joint policy board officer. "I think we'll be looking for someone with certain qualities, not a certain background. It may be a president and it may not."

Presidents linked to the job include Gerald Turner of Mississippi, a former Presidents Committee chairman; Thomas Hearn of Wake Forest; and O'Brien. Sources say other potential candidates include Judy Sweet of Cal-San Diego, who was the first woman president of the NCAA; Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany; Pacific-10 executive director Tom Hansen; and Tom Jernstedt, Schultz's deputy executive director.

At least one member of the Presidents Commission isn't inclined to think a president will occupy the office.

"I don't know how many presidents would be interested, to tell you the truth," said Jon Wefald of Kansas State. "Why would they? I think most of us believe we already have jobs that are a lot more engaging and fascinating than being the NCAA executive director."