By Racheljoy Capitola, Editor-in-chief
You have seen him at Freshmen Orientation, most likely wearing a black or tan suit, blue-collar shirt, and a colorful tie. Dr. Arthur F. Kirk, Jr., who has been at the University for almost 18 years, recently announced his plans to retire after the 2014-2015 academic year, according to a press release.
Dr. Kirk became president in January 1997. While he has been in office, the campus has undergone dramatic changes. The student population more than doubled during his term; it expanded from approximately 7,400 students to 16,500. Meanwhile, the campus has had 11 new buildings added to its design, including the Donald R. Tapia School of Business.
He attributed much of his success from the faculty, trustees, staff, and students who displayed the University’s core values.
“Saint Leo University is not about a president; it is the collective seeking each day to go from good to great,” said Dr. Kirk.
When he steps down from his position, he said he will miss the students the most.
“They [the students]stand as role models by practicing our core values while on campus and then living them in the world as alumni,” Dr. Kirk said.
The Saint Leo Board of Trustees is currently searching for a new president to continue Dr. Kirk’s legacy. In the press release, Cindy Brannen, chair of the Board of Trustees, said that Dr. Kirk leaves behind a legacy which lets the University continue to move forward and carry out its missions.
“The university can never repay Dr. Kirk for all he has done at Saint Leo, but we will start by working diligently to appoint a president who shares the university’s commitment to its mission, values, and vision, and embraces his legacy of hard work and dedication,” said Brannen.
