BANGOR – The University of Maine System has named John N. Diamond executive director of University System External Affairs, Chancellor Joseph W. Westphal announced Friday.

Diamond, 47, joins the chancellor’s office after serving for 10 years as director of public affairs for the system’s flagship campus in Orono. He will work to help influence three areas of importance: increasing student recruitment, enrollment, and retention; expanding public and private funding, and broadening awareness of and support for the system’s campuses and their missions.

Diamond received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UMaine. He is a former newspaper, radio and TV reporter.