GRAND FORKS (AP) - University of North Dakota President Charles Kupchella has accepted the resignation of a choir director.

Kupchella said Anthony Reeves will be paid through May 15, the date his contract expires.

The cost to pay Reeves' salary for 2005-06 is more than $44,000.

Kupchella said because Reeves chose to resign, he doesn't need to determine whether there were sufficient grounds for Reeves' dismissal.

Reeves, an assistant professor, had contended that the school wanted to fire him because he is gay and because he and his partner tried to adopt a 19-year-old student.

University officials denied that.

Reeves was accused of unprofessional conduct and neglect of duty.

Reeves was placed on administrative leave last fall when he learned of the music department's intent to fire him.

He appealed the recommendation in a hearing that logged about 80 hours over two months.

The faculty committee who heard the appeal recommended that Reeves be fired but remain on administrative leave through May.

Reeves submitted a resignation letter Jan. 17 that was similar to the committee's recommendation.