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St. Thomas president Dease to retire next year

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May 11, 2012 at 7:37 am

ST. PAUL, MN (AP) - The longtime president of the University of St. Thomas says he will retire next year.

The Rev. Dennis Dease (dees) said Thursday he will retire on June 30, 2013, after he completes his 22nd year in office.

Dease became the 14th president of St. Thomas on July 1, 1991. He is the second-longest-serving president in the school's 127-year history. Dease succeeded Monsignor Terrence Murphy, who held the office for 25 years.

Dease, who turns 69 this month, says the timing is right for his retirement next year. He notes that St. Thomas will complete its $500 million Opening Doors capital campaign this October. And he says he has other interests he would like to pursue.

Trustee John M. Morrison will chair the search committee for Dease's successor.