New University of St. Thomas president open to all options to keep pace with changing world

New St. Thomas president
Julie Sullivan, the former executive vice president and provost of the University of San Diego, is the first woman and the first lay person to serve as president of the University of St. Thomas in its 128-year history.
Photo courtesy of the University of St. Thomas

As students return to class this week at the University of St. Thomas, they're being greeted by a new president. And for the first time in the school's 127-year history, that person is not a priest.

Julie Sullivan took over as president of Minnesota's largest private university on July 1, 2013. She replaced Rev. Dennis Dease, who retired after 22 years as President.

Sullivan formerly served as vice president and provost at another Catholic school -- the University of San Diego. MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Sullivan about leading the University of St. Thomas.

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