BULLS NEWS

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Robert J. "Bob" Arkeilpane, director of athletics at the University at Buffalo for the past four years, has announced that he will become an associate vice president with the University of Cincinnati Foundation effective June 2.

Bob Arkeilpane

William J. "Bill" Maher, UB's senior associate athletic director, will serve as interim director of athletics until Arkeilpane's successor is appointed by UB's next president. UB President William R. Greiner announced in January his intention to step down as UB's chief executive officer effective June 30, or at a later date if requested by State University of New York Chancellor Robert L. King. A national search has been launched to identify Greiner's successor.

Arkeilpane is returning to his earlier career in development, as well as an earlier employer, having worked for the University of Cincinnati Foundation as college director of development and alumni affairs from 1987-91. He joined UB in 1995 as associate athletic director with responsibility for development activities after holding a similar position at Miami University in Ohio from 1993-95.

Arkeilpane was named officer-in-charge in UB's Division of Athletics and then served as interim athletics director for 10 months prior to being named director in February 1999.

UB President William R. Greiner praised Arkeilpane, noting that "Bob's many contributions -- to our athletics program, but also to our entire UB community -- have been significant, vital and lasting. We are very sorry to see him go, but share in his family's happiness, and in Bob's excitement for the future.

"Bob is highly regarded by his peers around the country and enjoys a national reputation for excellence," Greiner added. "As UB's athletics director, he has demonstrated these qualities in abundance. In his unwavering commitment to our outstanding student-athletes and to our entire university, he has been a superb leader for UB Athletics, and an extraordinary member of our UB family."

Arkeilpane said the decision to leave UB "was a tremendously difficult decision for me."

He added: "The University of Cincinnati Foundation, which is a place I have worked before, presented me with a very attractive offer. My familiarity with the foundation and with the city of Cincinnati, where my wife, Mary, grew up and still has family, was a major factor in my decision.

"While I am heartbroken to be leaving UB and the Western New York community, after careful consideration, the opportunity this presents for my family is simply too good to pass up."

Arkeilpane offered high praise for those with whom he has worked at UB. "Starting with Bill Greiner, down to our coaches and administrative staff, this is one of the most capable and committed group of people with whom I have ever been associated.

"While the challenge of developing UB into a successful Division I program in these difficult budgetary times can not be understated, I absolutely believe that both the foundation and the personnel are in place to make it happen."

As director of athletics, Arkeilpane reports to Greiner and Dennis R. Black, UB vice president for student affairs. He has overall responsibility for all intercollegiate athletic, recreational and intramural athletics programs.

UB had 17 sports teams competing in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) when Arkeilpane was named director of athletics. Football joined the conference in Fall 1999 and, under Arkeilpane's leadership, UB has added three new sports -- women's softball and crew, and baseball.

Arkeilpane's accomplishments have included successfully guiding UB through the Division 1-A reclassification process, positioning UB to comply successfully with all aspects of Title IX, improving attendance at football and basketball games and achieving a balanced budget for five consecutive years.

Bill Maher

Maher joined UB in August 1998 as director of compliance in the Division of Athletics. He subsequently was named assistant athletic director and then associate athletic director before assuming responsibilities of senior associate athletic director in July 2002.

Before joining UB, Maher was assistant director of athletics for compliance at Canisius College from 1991-98 and an adjunct professor in the School of Education and Human Services at Canisius from 1995-98. He earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from Canisius and a master's degree in sport management from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania.

Click here to see an open letter from Bob Arkeilpane to the UB and Western New York communities