University of Dallas president Dr. Frank Lazarus retires

by PegNews wire

University of Dallas (UD) President Dr. Frank M. Lazarus, 64, announced his retirement today to the University’s Board of Trustees, effective Dec. 31, 2009. The Trustees have granted Dr. Lazarus a pre-retirement sabbatical, which will begin on Sept. 1, 2009, and during which time he will teach and conduct a research project in his field of Greek archaeology and architecture.

“Dr. Lazarus has had an extraordinary impact on the University of Dallas,” said Dan Cruse, chairman of UD’s Board of Trustees. “His contributions, depth of experience, continued enthusiasm and wisdom have undoubtedly made an impact and set the foundation for so many accomplishments for this University. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we extend our sincerest appreciation to him and his family for his leadership and the many achievements he leaves as his legacy. We salute him and recognize his many contributions by conferring on him the rank of President Emeritus.”

Cruse said that on Sept. 1, interim leadership at the University will be vested in two highly regarded administrators: Robert Galecke, currently executive vice president, who will serve as interim president, and Dr. Bill Berry, currently executive vice president and provost, who will serve as interim chancellor. In addition, a national search for the University’s new president will begin before the end of the current academic year and will be organized by trustee Joe Oscar Neuhoff, who is Chairman of the University Affairs Committee. The search committee will utilize a nationally known professional and will include trustee, faculty, staff, student and alumni representatives.

Dr. Lazarus was elected president of UD in July 2004. During his tenure, UD has enhanced its stellar reputation through a variety of achievements, including:

· Recognition for four consecutive years as the leading Catholic university in the United States in the enrollment of National Merit Scholars on a per capita basis

· Enhanced scholar recognition for the university’s liberal arts doctoral program, which has resulted in an increase in applications to five times the number of available openings

· Recognition of The Graduate School of Management by Harvard Business Review for its practical application of management techniques for MBA programs and its on-track status for achieving AACSB accreditation

· Refinement of the School of Ministry, which has placed the University in a unique position of service to the Catholic community in multiple dioceses.

Additionally, upon his departure, Dr. Lazarus leaves the university with record enrollments, a balanced budget and a strategic plan focused on broad recognition of the University’s unique position in Catholic higher education.

“It has been a distinct honor to serve the University of Dallas, and I extend my deepest gratitude to the University’s prestigious Board of Trustees for giving me the opportunity to represent this outstanding academic institution,” Dr. Lazarus said. “My service to the students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni and friends of the University has been without a doubt the most rewarding experience of my 40-year career in higher education. I have enjoyed my work immensely, and although I look forward to retirement, I will greatly miss the University and the satisfaction derived from my involvement.”

Source: Cooksey Communications