News Room
 
Posted by Joshua Pendergrass - Tue, Jan 8, 2008 - [ Lambuth ] - Viewed 287 times
By: Dave Thomas
731-425-9637
Compliments of The Jackson Sun
Published January 8, 2008
 
Ken Brown, 54, was introduced as the new director of athletics at Lambuth University on Monday at a reception on campus. The Jackson Sun talked to Brown about numerous topics prior to the event.
 
QUESTION: Why leave Ball State University, a Division I school, after 16 years to work at Lambuth?
 
ANSWER: I had never heard of Lambuth University until I received a call from an associate. I talked to (Lambuth president) Dr. (Fred) Zuker and became interested because of his excitement.
 
Q: How long was the process?
A: It took a couple of weeks. I met with two board members, Steve Brooks and Dan Crockett. I (visited) during finals week, met a lot of folks and saw the love people have for Lambuth.
 

Q: At Ball State, what were your primary responsibilities?

A: I was the deputy athletics director and assisted the athletics director in day-to-day operations.
 

Q: What are you looking for in this position?

A: My first goal was to be an athletic director in intercollegiate athletics. It takes a lot of people to make it work. I'm here today because of Dr. Zuker's support. Hopefully, people will say Ken Brown did a good job.
 

Q: What were your first impressions of the Lambuth campus?

A: Very nice. I hope to know every student by name and everyone who works here. This is a people business. I'm impressed with the town.
 

Q: What were your first impressions of the athletic facilities?

A: The baseball stadium is nice. I want to get to as many (conference) schools as I can and see the facilities our opponents have and compare ours to the people we play. It's never ending. It's like a house - you upkeep or build a new house.
 

Q: Do you believe you can help raise the funds necessary to upgrade the facilities?

A: I have to get out and meet as many people as I can. My philosophy is to work from the inside out. Work Jackson first. When you give money to athletics, it's not going to waste. It goes for scholarships, towards winning and graduation. I want our athletes involved in a community service project.
 

Q: What is your timetable?

A: For me personally, as soon as possible. My wife tells me I'm not a good listener. I need to understand before making changes. I want to promote our school, speak at (civic) clubs such as Rotary and Lions. President Zuker and I have been in a few restaurants in town, and each time someone is talking with him; people know him. That's what it takes.
 

Q: What is your first priority?

A: A new football coach, plus getting to know as many people as possible. This is about promoting the university. I want to meet, listen, figure out budgets, work on schedules and compliance. At graduation, I want to shake the hands of our students.
 

Q: Lambuth must hire a new football coach. How much input will you have?

A: (Lambuth) sent me all the (resumes) on my computer at home. That's probably our No. 1 priority and, hopefully, we will have one in the near future.
 
Q: What needs to be done to bring Lambuth University football up to par?
A: We've got to get the right coach who understands the values of Lambuth. We have a lot of good candidates, and that tells you what people think of Lambuth University football with the number of candidates we have.
 

Q: Most people have their eyes on football, basketball and baseball. How do you see your role with the rest of the athletic programs?

A: My goal is to get to attend as many events as I can. That's what I'm suppose to be doing.