BIDDEFORD — The University of New England recently named interim Athletic Director and former Sports Information Director Curt Smyth as the new Athletic Director.

Smyth will take over for former AD Jack McDonald, who retired from the position back in the summer of 2017.

Smyth has been at UNE for 21 years, serving many different roles within the athletics department. He began as the SID at the time of his hiring in 1997, and served as the women’s basketball coach for 10 seasons.

During his time coaching women’s basketball, Smyth won 142 games and helped capture the program’s first-ever Commonwealth Coast Championship in 2001. He also coached men’s golf and softball while serving on numerous NCAA commitees.

September marked Smyth’s third stint as interim AD at UNE, and he felt that this was right time to take the next step.

“Being a director of athletics has not always been a goal of mine. First and foremost, I love working at the University of New England, no matter in what capacity. The previous two times I served as interim AD, I did not make myself a candidate for the permanent position, as I did not feel it was the right time either personally or professionally. Now I feel I am ready to be the person to lead our outstanding athletics program,” said Smyth.

Smyth felt that he learned a lot from the prior (athletic directors) that he worked with, especially McDonald, who helped revamp the department’s social media efforts and boost the school’s outreach.

“Having been at UNE for 21 years, I have had the opportunity to learn from those who held the position before me. In the two years Jack McDonald was here, he showed us the impact social media and marketing can have in generating interest and boosting attendance,” said Smyth.

The UNE athletics department has been quite busy throughout the past year. The Nor’easters experienced their inaugural football campaign in the fall, and have also finished the construction of a new addition to the Harold Alfond Forum that includes a new weight room and new locker rooms.

Smyth is excited to see more change coming soon, as UNE is currently in the process of renovating the current Big Blue Turf into the football team’s home site, as well as another field for other programs.

“I will be here to support the student-athletes and our staff. We are in the midst of developing plans to renovate our current turf field to serve as the home of football and softball, as well as an additional turf field for field hockey and lacrosse,” said Smyth. “Each of these facilities will also support other sports when necessary, and will provide space for intramurals and club sports.”

Smyth feels that the athletic department is as strong as ever, and is thankful for those who have helped lead the way alongside him.

“The UNE athletics department is in a great place due to the leadership and accomplishments of those who held the position before me,” said Smyth. “We have nationally and regionally recognized academic programs to attract accomplished student-athletes. We also have an outstanding coaching staff, support staff and administrative team to support those student-athletes.”

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