University of St. Thomas President Julie Sullivan announced Tuesday that she will be stepping down from her position at the end of the academic year. Sullivan will become the president of Santa Clara University on July 1, putting her closer to her husband, children and grandchildren.

Rob Vischer, current dean of the St. Thomas School of Law, was appointed by the St. Thomas Board of Trustees as the interim president beginning June 1. The university said it would begin a national presidential search soon.

“My work with students – undergraduate and graduate students alike –has been the highlight of my time as president,” Sullivan wrote in an email addressed to students. “St. Thomas is an amazing community, and our compassionate, curious and caring students, whom I have watched time and again develop into principled leaders and scholars, are the core of that community.”

Sullivan has served as president since 2013 and was the first woman and layperson to hold the position; she will become the first woman and first layperson to serve as president of Santa Clara University.

Under Sullivan, the university launched the Dougherty Family College, founded the Morrison Family College of Health, moved St. Thomas athletics from Division III to Division I and navigated the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Julie Sullivan has been a beloved and inspirational leader, and we are grateful for her incredible contributions to St. Thomas,” said Pat Ryan, chair of St. Thomas’ Board of Trustees, to the St. Thomas Newsroom. “She succeeded in elevating St. Thomas, building a team of strong leaders, and implementing several transformational priorities during her tenure.”

Scout Mason can be reached at maso7255@stthomas.edu.