St. Leo University president Dr. Arthur F. Kirk Jr. announced Tuesday he will retire after the 2014-2015 academic year.
Kirk joined Saint Leo College as its eighth president in January 1997. During his tenure, the school now called Saint Leo University has grown in enrollment from 7,403 students to 16,450.
The number of full-time faculty members has quadrupled to more than 240, and the number of degree programs has grown from 22 to 48, including the university’s first terminal degree offering, the Doctor of Business Administration.
Also during his Kirk's tenure, the university founded the Center for Online Learning for students around the world. By Fall 2015, the campus will have expanded by 11 new buildings, in addition to three renovations, adding more than 70 acres and nearly 1 million square feet of new facilities.
“While presidents often get credit for success, I am most proud of those at Saint Leo who embraced our mission, practiced our values, and pursued our vision, never fearing change, and worked tirelessly to create a successful and sustainable university for the 21st century," Kirk said.
Working with Witt/Keiffer, a leading executive search firm that specializes in higher education, the Saint Leo Board of Trustees has formed a committee and is conducting a nationwide search for a new university president.
“One of Dr. Kirk’s great leadership strengths is building strong teams,” said Cindy Brannen, chair of the Board of Trustees. “That legacy allows us to move forward with excellent people in faculty and staff roles, ready to continue the mission and momentum at Saint Leo."