Duke hires its next athletic director

DURHAM, N.C., May 31 (UPI) -- Notre Dame University's athletic director left the school Saturday and accepted a similar position at Duke.

Kevin White, 57, had been Notre Dame's AD since 2001 and succeeds Joe Alleva, who resigned in April to accept the athletics director position at LSU.

The Atlantic Coast Conference school noted on its Web site that White's appointment follows a year-long strategic planning process for Duke Athletics.

"Kevin White is in the first rank of athletics directors nationally and will make a perfect fit for Duke," said President Richard H. Brodhead. "He has led coaches and players to the highest levels of athletic attainment while always remembering the larger goals of education."

"I have the highest regard for this institution and am excited about the opportunities in front of us," White said.

White also was president of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and president of the Division I-A Athletic Directors Association in 2005-06.