Lazarus announces intention to retire
Mary Tetzlaff
Issue date: 4/7/09 Section: News
On the morning of Monday, April 6, Dr. Francis Lazarus, President of the University of Dallas, announced that he intends to retire in the coming year. Lazarus' transition to retirement will coincide with his 65th birthday on Dec. 31, 2009.
According to Lazarus, his decision was "some time in formation" and occurred "after considerable prayer and reflection with [his] family." His decision also took place within the framework of several conversations with the Board of Trustees, observing best practices to ensure a smooth and successful institutional succession.
In the wake of his retirement announcement Lazarus prepared a comment to share with the student body: "I am proud of the students of the University of Dallas, and it has been a joy getting to know so many of them. I admire our students' serious approach to their academic work and am delighted by their accomplishments.
"Our students represent the University very positively to the community and the public at large, and they are wonderful ambassadors and examples of the quality of the academic program at UD. I am also impressed by the manner in which UD students strive to develop the synthesis between faith and reason that is central to true scholarship.
I encourage them to persist in their studies, to excel in leadership and service after they leave UD, and to support the University, which, as alma mater, has nourished their growth and success."
In response to Lazarus' announcement, Board Chairman Dan Cruse, on behalf of the Board, extended to Lazarus and his family "[the trustees'] sincere appreciation for his leadership and the many achievements he leaves as his legacy."
Lazarus retires this year after completing 39 consecutive years of service in academia, 31 of which he served in an administrative capacity. Lazarus began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at the United State Military Academy at West Point in 1970. His administrative career began in 1978 when he was named Administrative Fellow of the American Council on Education. Other administrative positions include Associate Academic Dean at Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC; Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Dayton, OH; Vice President for Academic Affairs at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI; and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of the University of San Diego, CA.
According to Lazarus, his decision was "some time in formation" and occurred "after considerable prayer and reflection with [his] family." His decision also took place within the framework of several conversations with the Board of Trustees, observing best practices to ensure a smooth and successful institutional succession.
In the wake of his retirement announcement Lazarus prepared a comment to share with the student body: "I am proud of the students of the University of Dallas, and it has been a joy getting to know so many of them. I admire our students' serious approach to their academic work and am delighted by their accomplishments.
"Our students represent the University very positively to the community and the public at large, and they are wonderful ambassadors and examples of the quality of the academic program at UD. I am also impressed by the manner in which UD students strive to develop the synthesis between faith and reason that is central to true scholarship.
I encourage them to persist in their studies, to excel in leadership and service after they leave UD, and to support the University, which, as alma mater, has nourished their growth and success."
In response to Lazarus' announcement, Board Chairman Dan Cruse, on behalf of the Board, extended to Lazarus and his family "[the trustees'] sincere appreciation for his leadership and the many achievements he leaves as his legacy."
Lazarus retires this year after completing 39 consecutive years of service in academia, 31 of which he served in an administrative capacity. Lazarus began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at the United State Military Academy at West Point in 1970. His administrative career began in 1978 when he was named Administrative Fellow of the American Council on Education. Other administrative positions include Associate Academic Dean at Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC; Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Dayton, OH; Vice President for Academic Affairs at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI; and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of the University of San Diego, CA.
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