Correction Appended: An earlier version of this story misidentified the dean of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. His name is Christopher Kendall.

During its monthly meeting today, the University’s Board of Regents approved Domino's Pizza CEO and Regent Emeritus, David Brandon, as the University’s next athletic director, in a unanimous vote.

“I believe David’s widely recognized leadership skills, his business acumen, his tenure as a regent, his experience as a student-athlete, and his dedication as a fundraiser combine to make him a perfect leader for this athletic program and I look forward to working with him again,” University President Mary Sue Coleman said of the appointment.

The regents also unanimously renewed the contracts of a handful of deans from schools across the University. Deborah Loewenberg Ball, dean of the School of Education, Christopher Kendall, dean of the School of Music, Theatre, & Dance and James S. Jackson, director of the Institute for Social Research each received five-year appointments.

Bryan L. Rogers, dean of the School of Art & Design, had his appointment extended another two years. Rosina Bierbaum, dean of the School of Natural Resources and Environment, was reappointed for a one-year term.

Renovations to Crisler Arena approved

The regents also approved renovations to Crisler Arena today.

The sporting arena — which hosts the Michigan's men's and women's basketball teams' home games — was built in 1967.

The projected $20 million renovations will include the removal and reconfiguration of the blue, lower deck seats of the arena, which will be made to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Other changes to the arena include the addition of handrails and elevators, and the widening and changing of aisle locations.

Hank Baier, associate vice president for Facilities and Operations, said the plans include input from individuals and organizations with concerns about compliance with the act.

The arena's fire detection and suppression systems, the emergency generator and emergency egress lighting will also all be improved, in addition to the construction of a new roof.

The regents authorized the University to commission TMP Architecture, a Michigan-based architectural firm, to begin revamping the area, and also approved the contracts for the construction of a new 57,000 square-foot basketball practice facility — slated to cost $23.2 million.

The practice facility — which will be completed in fall 2011 — will be added to the arena and will include two practice courts, a larger strength and conditioning area, new locker rooms for both basketball teams and offices for coaches and staff.

Fuller Road station approved

Aside from University athletics, the regents also approved plans to split the cost of a new parking structure with the City of Ann Arbor, despite objections from an area environmental organization.

The structure, which will be called the Fuller Road Station, will include bus ports, bike locks, lockers and a 1,000-space parking structure.

James D’Amour, a representative from the Huron Valley Sierra Club, spoke at the meeting and said the club is “deeply disappointed in the project.”

D’Amour called the project “unethical” because the land intended for the Fuller Road Station includes city parkland. A city charter requires a city-wide vote to approve construction on park property. However, Baier voiced the view of many regents when he said the land has been a parking lot for about 20 years and for that reason he sees no restrictions to the project.

The costs of the new structure — which is to be completed by mid-2012 — will be split between the University and the city and will total $46,550,000, $36,309,000 or 78 percent of which will be paid for by the University.