COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) – Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson is taking a six-month sabbatical.

Anderson made the announcement Monday in a statement on the school’s website, saying he will be on a “professional development sabbatical.”

Damon Evans will fill in for Anderson during his absence. Evans is the executive director, chief financial officer and chief operating officer of the athletics department.

Anderson took over for Debbie Yow in September 2010 after a six-year stint as athletic director at the U.S. Military Academy.

Under his watch, Maryland joined the Big Ten on July 1, 2014. The move from the Atlantic Coast Conference provided the school with financial stability and translated to success on the playing field.

Maryland has won a conference-best 25 regular-season and conference tournament titles since the move.

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