Feb. 26, 2010

GREENVILLE, N.C. - The East Carolina University Board of Trustees, in an unanimous vote Friday, approved a three-year extension of athletics director Terry Holland's contract until Dec. 31, 2014.

The contract, which was originally set to expire in 2011, will continue Holland's annual salary at $356,400.

ECU Chancellor Steve Ballard noted that none of his senior administrators are receiving raises in the current budget climate.

Holland, who was appointed to his position in 2004, has overseen athletics department improvements such as higher academic achievement by student-athletes, increased attendance at football games and enhanced facilities.

The Board of Trustees also officially approved the five-year contract of head football coach Ruffin McNeill during the session. The Board's Executive Committee had endorsed a memorandum of understanding with McNeill during a conference call on his hiring date of Jan. 21.