Mike Stevenson has planned to end his lengthy athletic administrative career at Michigan this summer.

But when new athletic director Dave Brandon asked Stevenson - an associate athletic director at the university since 1975 - to extend his stay for a few months, Stevenson agreed.

Stevenson will begin a phased retirement in July before working in a 50 percent capacity until the end of the year, the school announced Wednesday. Stevenson, who arrived in Ann Arbor in 1970 after stints at St. Olaf (Minn.) College, Minnesota and Hawaii, will retire at the end of December.

"I have had a wonderful 40-year career at the University of Michigan and feel honored and privileged to have served in this very special place," Stevenson said in a statement issued Wednesday.

"I will miss the people and the excitement, but after 40 years of service, it is time for me to step aside."

Stevenson has overseen the athletic department facility expansion and has been involved in nearly every university capital project in the past three decades. Most recently, Stevenson has been part of the planning of the Steven M. Ross Academic Center, the Wilpon baseball and softball complex and the $226 million renovation of Michigan Stadium.

During his career, Stevenson was also involved in the operation of Radrick Farms and the University of Michigan golf course and serves as interim women's athletic director.

He was also part of a team of administrators that traveled to Madison, Wis., as Michigan prepares to host the Big Chill at the Big House outdoor hockey game against Michigan State in December.

According to the university's release, Stevenson had planned to retire this summer before Brandon asked him to reconsider.

"I am very pleased that Mike has agreed to stay through December," Brandon said in an issued statement. "This is stretching him six months beyond his originally planned retirement date and I am grateful for his willingness to give us a bit more time to transition his duties. Mike's knowledge, expertise and years of experience are invaluable."

Jeff Arnold covers sports for AnnArbor.com and can be reached at (734) 623-2554 or by e-mail at jeffarnold@annarbor.com.