Former KU Baseball Standout Baty returns to lead Williams Education Fund, Marketing and Sales
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Former Jayhawk baseball standout Matt Baty has been named Associate Athletics Director, Williams Education Fund, Marketing & Sales, KU Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger announced Thursday.
“As we looked for a leader to enhance our fundraising efforts with the Williams Education Fund, we wanted first and foremost someone who understands the importance of our nearly 6,000 donors,” Zenger said. “We are grateful for their support and will do all we can to preserve each and every relationship. The other critical piece is someone who is ready to jump in and help lead a capital campaign.
“After a thorough search and vetting process,” Zenger continued, “I am proud to welcome Matt back to the University of Kansas – this time as a member of our leadership team. Matt’s skillset makes him a natural fit to lead our talented teams in WEF, Marketing and Sales. His passion for the Jayhawks and his experience in athletics, fundraising and management are exactly what we need.”
“I am deeply honored to come back to where my love for college athletics began as a student-athlete,” Baty said. “I am thankful for the opportunity that Dr. Zenger has given me and my family. It was a privilege to wear Kansas across my chest as a student-athlete and I will carry on that very same pride in my new role. I look forward to joining the talented staff at Kansas Athletics and building upon the foundation of those who have come before me.”
Baty was an All-Big 12 Conference centerfielder who graduated in 2006, and since then has held a number of athletics and fundraising positions. He is currently the General Manager of the Wichita Sports Forum, an approximately 148,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility, where he oversees a staff of 85.
Prior to that he served as a vice-president, treasury management, at Equity Bank in Wichita. Among other duties, Baty was involved in business development of retail and commercial accounts and private banking services, including deposit and loan products. He also assisted in developing new products, enhancing current products and services, and developing marketing campaigns for bank services. He also represented the bank at community events.
Before his three-year stint at Equity Bank, Baty served as assistant athletics director for development at Wichita State University. He began his career as a marketing coordinator at Kansas Athletics after earning a one-year intern position at the Big 12 Conference. As a KU student-athlete he served on KU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the Chancellor’s Academic Advisory Committee. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in sports administration.
Baty and his wife, Kris, who is also a KU graduate and former rower, are the parents of three children.
In addition to bringing Baty home to his alma mater, Zenger also announced the next step for the Williams Fund: a national search for a football campaign fundraiser.
“We have done great things here on campus in regards to facility development and growth,” Zenger said. “It’s now time to focus on Memorial Stadium – getting the right person to help shepherd this important initiative.”
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