BIDDEFORD — University of New England Associate Vice President & Director of Athletics Jack McDonald announced Wednesday the promotion of Curt Smyth to senior associate director of athletics.

Smyth has been part of UNE’s athletics staff since 1997, serving in multiple coaching capacities over the first 10 years before shifting to administration (assistant AD/associate AD) for the last eight. For the duration, he has held the title of sports information director, and will continue to fill that role.

He had an integral role in the department’s success and progression during two transitional periods over the last five years, as Smyth spent a combined two years leading the Nor’easters from the position of interim director of athletics, according to a press release.

“All at the University of New England are grateful of Curt’s enthusiastic and professional leadership for the past 18 years,” McDonald commented. “He is very committed to the wellbeing of our student-athletes, the athletics staff, and the entire UNE community. I am thrilled to have Curt as a member of our athletics administration and look forward to working with him as we continue to elevate our athletics and recreation programs.”

Smyth stepped away from coaching in 2007, after a decade guiding the women’s basketball team to 142 wins and the program’s Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Championship in 2001. He was also the head softball coach in 1999 and coached the men’s golf team from 2003-04.

He is also currently a member of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules Committee, a fouryear appointment that will end with the 2015- 16 season.

“I would like to thank Jack McDonald and the administration at UNE for this promotion,” Smyth noted. “It is an honor to be associated with such a remarkable institution and athletics program. I am so proud to be able work alongside such a talented and dedicated staff in support of our accomplished student-athletes.”