Marquette University President Rev. Scott Pilarz to step down

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Marquette University President, Rev. Scott Pilarz, is stepping down in order to pursue new apostolic work.

Pilarz informed the Marquette University Board of Trustees of his resignation on Friday, September 20th. He will stay on as University President through the end of the first semester of the 2013-14 academic year, which ends on December 14th.

"After 10 years as a university president, I believe the time has come to consider other apostolic opportunities for me as a Jesuit priest. I have made this decision after much prayer, discernment, and conversation with religious superiors, my spiritual director, and others whose counsel I have sought over the past three years," said Pilarz.

Marquette will immediately begin the search process for a new permanent president. Board Chair Charles Swoboda will lead the university in its transition planning.

"We thank Father Pilarz for his accomplishments and dedication to Marquette, its faculty and, most of all, its students," said Swoboda. "I take immense pride and responsibility for ensuring the mission and innovative spirit of our Catholic, Jesuit tradition continues well into the future. As chair of our board, I assure you that I will work closely with our Board of Trustees and university leadership to map out a transition plan for our future success."

Swoboda recognized Pilarz for guiding Marquette into the newly reconfigured Big East conferece, successfully hiring a dean for Marquette's largest college, and collaborating across campus with faculty, staff and students to develop a university-wide strategic plan.