Ed Paquette, executive director of the Nebraska Alumni Association, has taken a personal leave of absence for unspecified reasons.

Paquette, a decade-long veteran of the association, began his leave Monday, University of Nebraska-Lincoln spokeswoman Meg Lauerman said.

Neither she nor Nate Eckloff, president of the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors, would elaborate on the reason for Paquette’s departure. Eckloff also wouldn’t comment on whether Paquette might return, a decision that board members would make.

“There’s nothing to say at this point,” said Eckloff of Englewood, Colo. “It’s a confidential matter at this time.”

Paquette could not be reached for comment.

While on leave, he will continue to receive his $70,188 salary, Lauerman said.

In his absence, Shelley Zaborowski, the association’s senior associate executive director, and Jim O’Hanlon, a professor in UNL’s College of Education and Human Sciences, will assume leadership duties, Lauerman said.

Founded in 1874, the Alumni Association is an independent organization that receives no state or tuition dollars. Its programs are funded by member dues and corporate partnerships.

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.