University of Dayton President Daniel Curran To Step Down In 2016, Presided Over An Era Of Extraordinary Growth

DAYTON, Ohio, Dec. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Daniel J. Curran, the first lay president in University of Dayton history, announced plans Tuesday, Dec. 9, to step down in June 2016 after presiding over an era of unprecedented growth.

Known as a bold, forward-thinking leader, Curran strategically positioned the Catholic, Marianist university nationally and globally, enrolled some of the largest, most academically talented classes in school history and dramatically expanded the University of Dayton's footprint from the Great Miami River to China during the last 12 years.

A sociologist by training, Curran will take a one-year sabbatical, then join the faculty as a professor. As president emeritus, he will teach and conduct research on campus and serve as executive-in-residence for Asian affairs in the University of Dayton China Institute in Suzhou, China.

Since Curran became president in 2002, the University has nearly doubled its footprint with two major acquisitions from NCR Corp. while changing its enrollment strategy to become a more selective university that attracts most of its students from outside Ohio -- and many from around the world.

The University's endowment, first-year applications, number of endowed faculty positions and the value of its land and buildings have doubled. Student retention and entering test scores stand at all-time highs. Dayton Flyer student-athletes continue to boast graduation rates consistently among the highest in the country, and the overall winning percentage in all sports is better than any other time in school history.

"Through his leadership, the University continues to recruit and retain a world-class faculty dedicated to achieving excellence in scholarship, teaching and service," said Carissa Krane, an associate professor of biology who serves as president of the Academic Senate, the representative body of the faculty. "Dr. Curran has demonstrated a deep commitment to enriching the student experience and student success through his support of faculty efforts to intentionally integrate academic knowledge with experiential learning within and beyond the curriculum."

Michael Galligan-Stierle, president and CEO of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, describes Curran as "a model" for contemporary leadership at Catholic universities, where more than 60 percent are now led by lay leaders.

"When Dan took office, lay presidents were still in the minority in Catholic higher education," he said. "Through his example, he helped demonstrate that individuals who answer the calling to lead a Catholic college or university -- religious or lay -- bring with them unique gifts that equip them to lead and to celebrate the Catholic mission of the institution. And over the last 12 years, Dan has continued to exude that leadership."

The University emerged as a national leader in partnering with high-tech companies that are locating laboratories and offices on campus. In 2013, GE Aviation opened a $53 million research center and Midmark Corp. moved its corporate headquarters to the University of Dayton Research Institute. In 2014, Emerson Climate Technologies broke ground on a $35 million global innovation center.

"The University of Dayton is academically strong. It's financially strong. We weathered the rough economic period much better than other institutions and hired excellent faculty," said Curran, who plans to stay in Dayton. "I think this will be one of the top jobs in higher education. It's the right time to step down while the University is so well positioned to continue the momentum."

The University of Dayton's board of trustees will conduct a national search for his successor.

Link to release and more at http://udayton.co/BYV. Follow the University of Dayton on Twitter at @univofdayton #DrDan

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SOURCE University of Dayton

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