Jim Marchiony to retire from Kansas Athletics

LAWRENCE, Kan. – After 16 years of dedicated and loyal commitment as the public and unwavering voice of Kansas Athletics, and more than 40 years in collegiate athletics, Jim Marchiony has chosen to retire and prepare for his next chapter, closer to his grandchildren, Athletics Director Jeff Long announced Thursday.

As Associate Athletics Director of Public Affairs, Marchiony is Kansas Athletics’ liaison with local and national media across the country – relationships he fostered and maintained his entire career. Outside of those duties, he also serves as the sport administrator for KU’s volleyball and tennis programs, and has worked closely with the coaches and student-athletes in those programs, as well as others.

“I’ve known Jim since his NCAA days and was very pleased to work with him since my arrival,” Long said. “Jim is respected throughout college athletics because of his friendliness, sense of service, dedication and commitment. He will be missed – and frankly – you can’t replace Jim Marchiony. All of us in KU Athletics wish Jim and Mary Beth the best in the next chapter of their lives.”

Marchiony joined the University of Kansas in August, 2003, from the University of Connecticut, where he was Associate Athletics Director for External Relations. Before UConn, he worked for 18 years at the NCAA, the last five years as media coordinator for the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament. While at the NCAA, he served in various communications positions, including supervising the television production of championship events. Prior to his work the NCAA, Marchiony was Director of Sports Information and Regional Director of Development at Georgetown University; prior to that he was SID at Iona College.

“Jim has made an invaluable contribution to Kansas Athletics during his time in Lawrence,” Kansas Volleyball Coach Ray Bechard said. “He cares deeply about the mission of this athletic department but was heavily invested in the student-athlete experience as well. His value won’t be measured in wins and losses, but more importantly by the impact he had on all those he worked with and his unwavering commitment to Kansas Athletics. We wish him nothing but the best.”

Marchiony has served on the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Committee. He is a recipient of the United States Basketball Writers Association’s Katha Quinn Award, which recognizes those in college basketball who provide special service to the USBWA and sportswriters who cover college basketball. He served as a media liaison for the United States Olympic Committee at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and at three USOC National Sports Festivals.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from St. Bonaventure University.

Marchiony and his wife, Mary Beth, are parents to Donald; he and his wife Blair have three children and live in Texas.

“Anyone who knows Jim knows how much his family means to him. Though relocating to Dallas with his family, we know he will always be a Jayhawk,” Long said.

Marchiony will retire July 2019.