Rockhurst University Board Appoints New President

The Rockhurst University Board of Trustees has appointed the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, O.S.F.S., the 14th president of Rockhurst University. Curran, associate vice president for university relations and assistant to the president at Regis University in Denver, is an ordained Roman Catholic priest and a member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, dedicated to education, the missions, and parish work.

The board voted to name Curran president at its quarterly meeting, Saturday, March 4. He is expected to begin his duties in June.

"This is an exciting time for Rockhurst University and Kansas City," said Thomas A. McCullough, chairman of the board of trustees. "The board believes Fr. Curran will be a leader in strengthening the role Rockhurst plays in the life of the city and the region. His extensive experience in educational administration and fund raising, joined with his ease at connecting with people, make him an excellent choice for this position."Rockhurst is a Jesuit, Catholic institution and is governed independently by a self-perpetuating board composed mostly of laypersons.

Curran will be the university’s first non-Jesuit president."I am grateful to God for the opportunity to minister as the 14th president of Rockhurst University," said Curran. "I am honored and humbled by the confidence placed in me by the entire Rockhurst community. I also consider myself blessed by my own community, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. I look forward to building upon the Rockhurst tradition where students are instructed in how to learn, to lead and to serve."

Curran replaces the Rev. Edward Kinerk, S.J., who announced in September 2005 that he would step down as president in June. He then expects to take a sabbatical after which he will receive a new work assignment from the Jesuit provincial. Kinerk was appointed in December 1997 and officially began his tenure June 1, 1998. "I’ve known Fr. Curran for several years and I believe he will be an extraordinary and inspirational leader for our institution," said Kinerk. "The spirituality and philosophy of the Salesian order are derived from St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order. As such there is a kinship between our orders."

Curran earned a B.A. in politics from DeSales University, an M.A. in theology from DeSales School of Theology, an M.A. in liberal studies, public policy and government from Georgetown University, a J.D. from the Catholic University of America and an M.B.A. from St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia.Before joining Regis, Fr. Curran served as founder and executive director of Nativity Preparatory School in Wilmington, Del.; president of Salesianum School in Wilmington; and president of Northeast Catholic High School for Boys, Philadelphia.