Lewis B. Rome, chair of the Board of Trustees, has announced he will step down, possibly before his term expires June 30.

Rome, 63, was instrumental in establishing UConn 2000, the 10-year, $1 billion plan to refurbish and rebuild the University's campuses, and luring President Philip E. Austin to Storrs. He is a former Senate majority leader and gubernatorial candidate.

Rome, a UConn alumnus, has submitted two letters to the office of Gov. John G. Rowland indicating his desire to leave the board after Austin's inauguration. It is not known whether Rowland will accept the resignation.

Rome, of Bloomfield, has been chair since 1992. He was appointed to the board by former Gov. Lowell P. Weicker Jr.

Five other trustees are completing their terms and will be up for reappointment.