Duke University. Athletics Dept. Vice President and Director of Athletics.

The Athletic Director plans, administers, and directs intercollegiate athletic activities at Duke University including staff, publicity, promotion, ticket sales, and assures the University's adherence to appropriate rules, regulations, and guidelines.

From the description of Director of Athletics Records, 1939-1999 (bulk 1968-1996). (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 426482337

The Athletic Director plans, administers, and directs intercollegiate athletic activities at Duke University and interprets and participates in formulating extramural athletic policies. The Director employs and discharges coaching staff and other department employees on own initiative or at direction of board in charge of athletics. Additionally, the Director prepares and disseminates publicity to promote athletic events; plans and coordinates activities of coaching staff; prepares budget and authorizes department expenditures; plans and schedules sports events; and oversees ticket sales and income generated by ticket sales. The Athletic Director also works closely with coaches, staff, and University administration to ensure adhesion to University codes of conduct and rules and regulations set forth by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Tom Butters was a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and former pitcher for Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates organization (1962-1964). Butters began his career at Duke in 1967 when he became Director of Special Events. He became Duke University's head baseball coach in 1968, a position he held until 1970. He later became director of the Iron Dukes (1970), Assistant Director of Athletics (1972-1975), and Associate Athletic Director and assistant to the chancellor in 1976. In 1977, Butters became Duke University's fifth Athletic Director, preceded by James DeHart (1926-1930), Wallace Wade (1931-1942, 1946), Eddie Cameron (1942-1972), and Carl James (1972-1976). As Athletic Director Butters was known as an intrepid fundraiser and is credited with upgrading several athletic facilities erected in the 1930s and 1940s. While serving on the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Basketball Committee, Butters was instrumental in negotiating a one billion dollar contract with CBS. Upon his retirement in 1998, Butters had spent thirty years of his professional career involved with Duke University Athletics. He was succeeded by Joe Alleva (1998-2008).

From the guide to the Director of Athletics Records, 1939-1999 (bulk 1968-1996), (University Archives, Duke University)