University of New England

L'Heureux to step aside as director of athletics at UNE

Karol L'Heureux has stepped aside as director of athletics at the University of New England after a successful 23-year tenure, but will remain at UNE as the assistant director of athletics and head volleyball coach.  L'Heureux will serve as interim director of athletics until a new director is hired.  A national search will begin immediately.

L'Heureux came to UNE in 1980, and has served as director of athletics since 1982.  During her time here the varsity athletics program has been expanded from five to 13 varsity sports, and three competition playing fields have been added.  She also played an integral role in the design and development of the Campus Center - UNE's student center and indoor athletics facility-which was completed in 1989.

An honorary alumna of the University, L'Heureux has served in many capacities at the state and regional level, including president of the Western Maine Athletic Conference and Commonwealth Coast Conference  chairperson for women's lacrosse.  She was recognized as National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) District 5 (New England) Female Administrator of the Year in 1992.

L'Heureux will continue her career as an administrator and UNE's highly-successful volleyball coach.  In her 25 seasons at the helm of that program, UNE has posted a 531-226 record, including a pair of appearances at the NAIA National Tournament.  She has garnered numerous coach-of-the-year awards at the conference, state and regional levels.

Academic Success
The University has had a long line of academic success during L'Heureux's tenure as AD.  UNE was recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and USA Today in 2003 for having the highest graduation rate in the nation for its student-athletes (Division III).

Looking back at her career as director of athletics, L'Heureux is extremely proud of her accomplishments and the growth of the athletics program. 

"We have come a long way over the past 20 years," commented L'Heureux.  "We have improved facilities, increased sport programs and participation, all while maintaining high academic standards and graduation rates.  I hope to play an integral role in this sustained goal, as my new position will enable me to focus more on student programming, while enabling me to further alumni outreach."

UNE President Sandra Featherman noted that "Karol has had a remarkable tenure at UNE, and deserves a great deal of credit for the Athletic Department's phenomenal growth and proven success. She is also a highly respected coach with an impressive record. We're very happy she has chosen to continue working and coaching here, now spending more time with her student-athletes and less time on administrative tasks."

L'Heureux is a graduate of the University of Maine Presque Isle (UMPI), and a member of the UMPI Athletic Hall of Fame.

The University of New England became a member of the NCAA III in 1999.  The Nor'easters compete in the Commonwealth Coast Conference, and also hold affiliation with the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).

(Press release issued Sept. 9, 2005)