UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS WOMEN'S ATHLETICS NAMES DIRECTOR FOR FUND-RAISING POST

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Wayne Stehlik, a former assistant coach for the Arkansas Razorback basketball team, has been named the director of development for the University of Arkansas Women's Athletics program, effective June 1. 

Stehlik will play an important role in the implementation of the program's fund-raising priorities and institutional advancement activities. He will work closely with John Lewis, chair of the Campaign for the Twenty-First Century committee for Women's Athletics. Stehlik will report to Clay Edwards, assistant vice chancellor for University Development, and Bev Lewis, director of Women's Athletics.

The Women's Athletics goal is to raise $8.8 million by the Campaign's end on June 30, 2005. As of May 31, 2002, $5,397,871 has been raised since July 1, 1998.

Edwards said, "Wayne understands how to make the connections that are so important to the future growth of the program. He will add great energy and talent to our development effort for the Lady Razorbacks. I believe that Bev Lewis and Wayne Stehlik can take the program to the next level. Creating a significant endowment is one of the major challenges facing the program, and I know that Wayne can really have an impact. He will be a most welcome addition to our development team."

Bev Lewis said, "Wayne will be an asset to Women's Athletics as we continue to build our programs. He understands the complexities of working within Southeastern Conference (SEC) sports, the importance of recruiting outstanding student athletes and the funding challenges we face in order to do so. I look forward to working closely with him as we build a great program of private support."

Stehlik earned a bachelor's in physical education from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1979, and a master's in athletics administration from the University of Kansas in 1982. He has been with the Razorback basketball team for 16 years where he scheduled road trips and non-conference opponents and coordinated on-campus recruiting efforts. During his time with the Razorbacks, Arkansas won a national championship, earned a national runner-up finish and advanced to the Final Four three times.

Stehlik said, "I am pleased to join Women's Athletics during such an exciting time. My familiarity with the University and with Arkansas athletics will be helpful as I assist Women's Athletics in strengthening its development programs. I am excited about building relationships with alumni, friends and corporations and foundations in support of Campaign for the Twenty-First Century, and beyond."

Stehlik and his wife, Tracey, have two daughters.

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Clay Edwards, assistant vice chancellor for university development, (479) 575-5562, cedward@uark.edu

Laura H. Jacobs, manager, development communications, (479) 575-7422, lherzog@uark.edu