ORONO (AP) – Maine athletic director Patrick Nero has resigned to become commissioner of the America East Conference, the university announced Monday.

Nero, who spent two years at Orono, will head the Boston-based conference made up of Maine and nine other colleges.

America East is best known as a men’s and women’s basketball conference but also oversees baseball and a dozen other sports.

Nero said his decision to leave Maine was a difficult one but he was attracted by the opportunity to have an impact on college athletics at the national level.

“The opportunity to lead the America East Conference is one that excites me,” he said in a statement. “I have great respect and familiarity with all (of the) institutions and the leaders that direct them.”

At Maine, Nero pressed to improve the academics of student athletes.

Under his leadership, Maine captured its first America East academic cup given to the institution whose student athletes have the highest cumulative great point average – a record 3.12 out of possible 4.0 – in 2003-04.

The Black Bears also won five conference titles, with the hockey team advancing to the NCAA championship game.

As commissioner, Nero will succeed Chris Monasch, who left to become athletic director at St. John’s.

Besides Maine, America East includes Albany, Binghamton, Boston University, Hartford, Maryland-Baltimore County, New Hampshire, Northeastern, Stony Brook and Vermont.

Nero will remain at Orono until July 23 and begin his new duties at America East on Aug. 8. University of Maine President Robert Kennedy said he will appoint an interim athletic director to serve while a national search is conducted for a permanent successor.

Nero came to Maine from Miami, where he led fundraising for a new basketball arena and other facilities. He also worked as director of athletic development at Providence, his alma mater; assistant athletic director at Lamar; and assistant athletic director at Marquette.

AP-ES-06-27-05 2105EDT

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