June 9, 2004

PULLMAN, Wash. - Washington State University Director of Athletics Jim Sterk announced Wednesday the appointment of John Johnson as WSU's new senior associate athletics director.

Johnson, who will begin his tenure at WSU in July, will oversee WSU's athletic foundation operations and coordinate the external administrative areas. The Washington native comes to Pullman after serving as director of athletics at Weber State University since 1997.

"I am excited someone of Johnson's experience and credibility is joining our excellent staff," Sterk said. "I have been impressed with what he has accomplished at Weber State and before that at Eastern Washington University. Washington State University athletics continues to make significant progress in a number of areas and John Johnson will help us elevate the growth and improvements the university envisions."

"We have combined a couple of fund raising vacancies to create a more senior level leadership position," explained Sterk.

According to Sterk, raising money for student-athlete scholarships will be high on Johnson's agenda. "Increasing revenue, including donations, will be a major responsibility for this position,' said the Cougar athletics director.

While at Weber State, Johnson oversaw all aspects of the intercollegiate athletics program. He was responsible for the upgrading of the university's facilities, including the construction of the Stewart Stadium Sky-Suites/ Press Box facility, which was completed in September of 2001.

Johnson secured nearly $5 million for the project. The box included corporate suites, club seating, meeting rooms and reception areas, along with a new 36-seat press box. In addition to the six-story facility, Johnson also secured funding for a complete renovation of the football/track locker rooms and athletic training room.

Johnson drew substantial financial support for the Weber State athletic programs through a 70 percent increase in corporate sponsorships and a 50 percent increase in annual giving.

Johnson came to Weber State after serving as the director of athletics at Eastern Washington University from 1993-97. While at Eastern, Johnson was responsible for the general administration and management of 15 sport programs, staff and support personnel.

A 1982 graduate of EWU with a bachelor's degree in business, and later earning a master's in business from EWU in 1984, Johnson joined the EWU athletic staff upon his graduation as an assistant athletic director. Johnson served in that capacity until 1989 when he was elevated to the position of associate athletic director.

Johnson served as President of the NCAA Division I-AA Athletic Director's Association for the 2000-2001 year. At the 2001 NACDA Convention held in Salt Lake City, Johnson was honored as the Division I-AA West Region Athletic Director of the Year. He also served on the NCAA Championship and Competition Cabinet, and served on the NCAA Division I Football Executive Committee, the National Football Foundation Executive Committee, and the NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Committee.