BIDDEFORD — University of New England President Danielle N. Ripich, Ph.D., has announced that Vice President of Student Engagement and Director of Athletics Jack McDonald will step down effective September 1, 2017.

 McDonald, who is stepping down for personal reasons, reflected on his time at UNE saying, “The past two years have been two of the best of my career due to the outstanding leadership of President Danielle Ripich, UNE’s talented and dedicated staff and coaches, and our tremendous student-athletes. The university is a very, very special place, and I have enjoyed working on UNE’s beautiful ocean-front campus and surrounding beaches.” 

McDonald, who came to UNE in June 2015, has led the Nor’easters to significant competitive success, student-athlete achievement and community outreach during his tenure. UNE won seven conference championships over the last two academic years, while its student-athletes have maintained a 3.25 cumulative grade point average.

“Part of my vision for UNE has always been the growth of our Athletics programs,” said President Ripich.” Jack made that vision a reality, overseeing the addition of new sports and state-of-the-art athletic facilities while shepherding the success of our student-athletes.” 

McDonald hired men’s ice hockey head Coach Kevin Swallow, women’s rugby head coach Ashley Potvin-Fulford and football head coach Mike Lichten. He also oversaw the programming and design of the 35,000 square-foot expansion of the Harold Alfond Forum.

McDonald has made an impact in the community both on and off campus through his ability to work collaboratively with the city of Biddeford. He has increased the visibility of UNE Athletics through aggressive marketing and social media promotion of the university’s 17 varsity sports, as well as its intramural and club sports programs. Some of McDonald’s initiatives included the implementation of UNE’s summer sports camps and clinics for local children; the Blue Crew App to increase student engagement and attendance at contests; the creation of “Nor’easter Neighbors,” a student-athlete community outreach group; the establishment of “Irish Eyes are ‘Miling,” a fun run/walk; and Biddeford School Department Day at a home men’s ice hockey game.