BATON ROUGE, La. -- Joe Alleva, leader of Duke University's sports programs for a decade, was chosen Friday as LSU's new athletics director, to replace Skip Bertman when he retires in June, university officials announced.

Duke University

Joe Alleva

Alleva, 54, has led Duke's 26 sports programs since 1998 and received a contract extension last year. Under his leadership, six Blue Devils teams won national championships and 44 Atlantic Coast Conference titles. He also oversaw Duke's athletics department during the controversy surrounding the lacrosse team rape allegations in 2006.

Interim LSU Chancellor William Jenkins cited Alleva's athletic achievements, his emphasis on improving graduation rates and his "record-setting" fundraising levels among the reasons for the selection.

"I'm confident we've found a new leader for LSU athletics who exemplifies the vision and integrity needed to lead our sports programs to new heights, a champion of student athletes who believes in the highest standards of competition both on the field and in the classroom," said LSU System President John Lombardi, at an evening news conference announcing Alleva's selection.

In a statement issued by Duke, Alleva said he decided to make the move after talking with his family and several Duke colleagues.

"For over 30 years, I have committed myself to Duke University, and for the past 10, I have been fortunate to lead one of the nation's best departments of athletics," Alleva said.

"I am appreciative of my time Duke, and even more grateful for the relationships I have forged while working here, particularly in the department of athletics."

Alleva's hiring must be approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors, which meets April 25. Salary negotiations were ongoing, Lombardi said.

The three other finalists for the position were: Kentucky deputy athletic director Rob Mullens and associate LSU athletic directors Verge Ausberry and Herb Vincent.

LSU's athletics department includes 20 varsity sports and a budget of nearly $70 million.

"Duke athletics sets an example of success and integrity of the highest order, and Joe has played a key role in achieving these results," Duke president Richard Brodhead said in a statement. "I know there are very few opportunities that could lure him away from Duke."

Bertman, who became athletic director in 2001, will remain at LSU in an emeritus role, focusing on fundraising, at his same salary until June 2010.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)