MSJ president resigning after 7 years

Mount St. Joseph University said president Tony Aretz is resigning at the end of the academic year after seven years at the helm.

"I have been able to complete many of the goals I had when arriving at the Mount and throughout the rest of my career, will reflect upon the many accomplishments we achieved with great pride," Aretz said.

A search committee comprised of trustees and others representing the faculty, administration, staff, students, alumni and the Cincinnati community will conduct a national search for the university's next president.

Before leading Mount St. Joseph, Aretz was an academic vice president at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee. He previously had also been on faculty at the United States Air Force Academy and is a retired lieutenant colonel.

During his tenure, Mount St. Joseph transitioned from a college to university and launched the Center for Ethical Leadership and created a career preparedness program, Talent Opportunity Program.

The school also partnered with Education at Work, establishing a work opportunity to help students with the cost of tuition. Several new majors, including graduate and doctorate degrees in nursing and business were also added.

"We are grateful for Tony's years of service at the Mount," said Ken Stecher, chairperson of the Board of Trustees. "With Tony at the helm, the Mount successfully weathered the impact of the national recession to continue its vital and important role in this community and in the higher education landscape. As a result we are well positioned for success through the Mount's centennial year in 2020 and beyond."

"In the name of all the Sisters of Charity I thank Tony for his generous, dedicated service as president of the Mount," said Joan Cook, SC, president of the Sisters of Charity.