Release:
Richard Konzem Joins RU as Director of Athletics
 Richard Konzem assumed his new role as director of athletics at Rockhurst University on Dec. 3. He is the fourth full-time director of athletics since 1941.
Konzem comes to Rockhurst from Benedictine College, an NAIA school in Atchison, Kan., where he has been the director of athletics since June 2006. He directed an athletic department consisting of 17 sports and 475 student-athletes at Benedictine.
"Jesuit universities take a holistic approach to education, so athletics play
an important role in the formation of our students," said the Rev. Thomas
B. Curran, O.S.F.S., president of Rockhurst University. "Richard Konzem's experience and leadership will be invaluable in fulfilling this important aspect of our mission."
Prior to joining Benedictine, Konzem served 23 years in various capacities at the University of Kansas, including interim director of Athletics in 2001. He was an integral part of the KU athletics staff during six NCAA Final Four appearances in basketball, three bowl games and a College World Series in both baseball and softball.
As senior associate athletic director at KU, Konzem’s accomplishments included supervising men’s and women's basketball, football, baseball, the Williams Educational Fund with $5 million in annual scholarship donations, athletic ticket staff, and the events and facilities staff.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to become a part of the Rockhurst University community," said Konzem. "I look forward to the challenge of continuing the tradition of athletic success at Rockhurst."
Konzem serves on the Board of Directors of the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. He recently completed terms on the Sunflower State Games Board of Directors, the United Way of Douglas County and the
City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Konzem and his wife, Debbie, chaired the
2006 United Way Campaign in Lawrence, raising $1.65 million.
Konzem received a bachelor's degree in business at the University of Kansas and a master's degree
in sports administration at the University of Southern California.
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