October 21, 2003

JOHN K. ADAMS

1946-2003

John K. Adams, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation at Rutgers-Newark since 1985, passed away in Valley Hospital in Ridgewood on October 20.

 Adams served as Director of Athletics at the NCAA Division III institution for 18 years, overseeing dramatic changes in administration, facilities and growth in the Scarlet Raider program.

“John Adams served this campus for nearly 20 years,” said Rutgers-Newark Provost Steven J. Diner. “John understood the valuable place athletics play on a college campus, and always struck the right balance between academics and athletics, and impressed that upon our athletes,” noted Diner.  “And his skills as an administrator, and his leadership, were respected and admired both on and off the campus."

In addition to being recognized for a successful basketball coaching career, Adams saw his administrative career filled with highlights. While at Rutgers-Newark, he served on numerous committees and searches, including the University Academic Standards Committee and the University's Middle States Evaluation Committee. He served as President of the New Jersey Athletic Conference Directors of Athletics, as a member of the ECAC Eligibility and Infractions Committee, and as a member of the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Committee. Adams was instrumental in the development of the Rutgers-Newark Athletic Hall of Fame and The Raider Club, the fundraising arm of the Athletic department.

Prior to his arrival at Rutgers-Newark, Adams served 11 years as the head coach of the men's basketball program at William Paterson College, where his record at William Paterson placed him fifth among the all-time NCAA College Division III coaches in winning percentage. His teams received eight NCAA Tournament bids and won seven conference titles. He was named New Jersey Collegiate Coach of the Year eight times and New Jersey Athletic Conference Coach of the Year on six occasions.

A cum laude graduate of Rowan University, Adams held a master's degree in psychology and counseling from Montclair State University. Adams served as an Academic Counselor at William Paterson and was later elevated to Director of Student Services.

A standout basketball and baseball player as an undergraduate, Adams was named to the Glassboro State/Rowan University Athletic Hall of Fame and in recognition of his coaching accomplishments, he was selected to William Paterson's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992.

"Needless to say this is an extremely sad day for the entire New Jersey Athletic Conference," stated New Jersey Athletic Conference Commissioner Terry Small.  "John played an integral part in the development and growth of our conference and his leadership and abilities will be sorely missed.  Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and the entire Rutgers-Newark campus."

"A person is very lucky to have a few friends in his or her life," said Lawrence Schiner, Director of Athletics at New Jersey City University. "John Adams was a true friend of mine.  Professionally, he was an outstanding, smart administrator.  Personally, he was a great guy to be around."

“John was truly a great friend,” said Glenn Hedden, Director of Athletics at Kean University.  “I could always call him and ask his opinion.  He was a valued peer, but most of all he was a good friend.  I’ll miss him terribly.”

 "John was a very dear friend," Joy Solomen, Director of Athletics at Rowan University stated.  "He was there for you when you needed him, and I was deeply affected when I heard the news today.  I will miss him."

 Adams, a resident of Wayne, formerly of Saddle Brook, is survived by his father, John E. Adams, and brother, Richard Adams.

Funeral services will be Friday at 9:30 a.m. at Kugler Funeral Home at 311 Fifth Street, Saddle Brook, and at St. Philips R.C. Church, 488 Saddle River Road, Saddle Brook, at 10:30 a.m.  Visiting hours at Kugler Funeral Home will be Wednesday, 7-9 p.m., and Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.