GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — University of North Dakota athletic director Brian Faison is retiring at the end of December.

Faison was named to lead the department in 2008. He says the timing is right for his family and for his successor, who will have time to get in place before next season.

Faison came to North Dakota from New Mexico State. While at UND, he oversaw the program’s transition from NCAA Division II to Division I athletics, first helping to secure membership in the Big Sky Conference and then announcing a move to the Summit League.

Also in Faison’s tenure, the school dropped baseball, men’s and women’s swimming and women’s hockey programs, and added men’s tennis.

School President Mark Kennedy says he appreciates Faison’s contributions and says Faison will be difficult to replace.