Oct 14, 2014 04:09 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Southeastern Conference's (SEC) "biggest fan" and commissioner has announced he will retire next July.

According to an announcement on the SEC's official website, Michael Slive's retirement will take effect July 31, 2015. He also confirmed he will soon begin treatment for the recurrence of prostate cancer, which he was originally treated for in the late 90s.

Slive found out his prostate cancer came back in Aug. when he had back surgery, but his prognosis is positive. Until his retirement date, Slive has said he will carry out his duties as the commissioner of the SEC from Birmingham, Ala., the conference's headquarters and his hometown.

"I have been blessed in more ways than I can count and I will have as much passion for this job on my last day as I did on my first," Slive in the announcement. "I consider my health situation a temporary detour in a remarkable road that has allowed me to meet amazing people, experience incredible events and celebrate historic victories. I will relish my final year in this position and look forward to being the biggest fan of the SEC for many years to come."

The 74-year-old became the SEC's seventh commissioner in 2002 and since the conference has been utterly dominant on the football field. Since 2007, when the title game became known as the BCS National Championship, SEC teams have won the game every single year save for last season.

Following his retirement, Slive will serve as a consultant to the SEC for four years and, until then and probably after, his travel will be limited.

Charles Bloom, who served as the SEC's associate commissioner for media and public relations under Slive, said in a statement obtained by USA Today the commissioner's true legacy will be what he did away from the gridiron.

"While the SEC's national championships will always be celebrated and talked about during Commissioner Slive's tenure, I think the greater victories for him are the accomplishments the league has made on ethnic and gender diversity, NCAA compliance and enforcement, academic initiatives, the SEC Network and expansion," said Bloom, now senior associate athletic director for external affairs at South Carolina. "He has also played an active role in national issues like NCAA governance, student-athlete welfare and post-season basketball and football.

"His congenial manner, along with his work ethic, intelligence and skills, has made him one of the most effective leaders in intercollegiate athletics."

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