 When Arthur F. Kirk, Jr. assumed the presidency of Saint Leo University in January, 1997, he brought an extensive education background and 18 years of experience leading colleges through transformational change.
Dr. Kirk earned his bachelor’s degree in history and master’s degree in administration and supervision from Kean University in New Jersey. He holds a doctoral degree from Rutgers University, having written his dissertation on small college survival strategies. Dr. Kirk began his administrative career at Kean University where he served as assistant director of the Division of College Development and director of Alumni Affairs. He also served as director of Development and Planning for Raritan Valley Community College and directed the college’s off-campus, non-credit and curriculum development programs. Dr. Kirk moved on to become executive vice president and chief financial officer of College Misericordia. In 1984 he was named president of Keuka College.
During the 11 years Dr. Kirk has served as Saint Leo’s president, the university community has worked diligently toward achieving its vision to become a leading Catholic teaching university of international consequence. Enrollments are now more than double what they were in 1997 and graduation rates have improved significantly. The university employs the most advanced technological networks to teach and serve its 13,000 students on the main campus, at Saint Leo’s 17 education centers in seven states, and online. Residential students on the main campus now receive laptop computers to use on the university’s wireless campus and will be entitled to keep them upon graduation from the university.
Since Dr. Kirk’s arrival in 1997, Saint Leo has constructed seven new buildings, purchased seven others and extensively renovated other facilities. Resident enrollments tripled after the main campus added residential facilities for 660 additional students. The University College program now receives nearly ten applications for every available freshmen seat.
Saint Leo has expanded its academic programs in the years since Dr. Kirk assumed its presidency. The university’s curriculum has been reviewed and revised, made more rigorous, and places special emphasis on the university’s six core values. In addition, student satisfaction and graduation rates, learning outcomes, and student engagement also have advanced significantly, as measured by national comparative studies. Graduate programs, in particular, have been expanded. The university now offers master’s degrees in business administration, education, criminal justice, instructional design, Theology, and an
Education Specialist degree (EDS).
The university developed its first on-line degree programs in 1998 and now enrolls more than 3,000 students in all 50 states and worldwide. In 2004, the University initiated a video technology teaching network linking its teaching sites, and enabling faculty to teach Saint Leo students at several locations concurrently. In 2008 the University completed its Achieving Excellence campaign, exceeding its $15 million goal by over $4.7 million.
Because Dr. Kirk places a high priority on community service and the university undertakes at least two major projects each year. Students, faculty, and staff join forces to provide routine maintenance and repairs to homes for the elderly, abused, and handicapped; for churches, schools, and facilities for the homeless; and for migrant workers. Hundreds of students and faculty volunteer their time each week to local causes. Several years ago the university began sponsoring “Spring Break Service Trips' engaging students, faculty, and staff in service to others throughout the country and in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Haiti. Recently, a special focus has been placed on aiding the victims of Hurricane Katrina. In addition, every athletic team engages in multiple service projects each year.
Dr. Kirk chairs the President’s Council of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida and is a member of the Board of Governors of the Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Council of Adult and Experiential Education, a member of the National Association Independent Colleges and Universities Committee on Accountability, and a member of the Board of Directors of John G. Ullman and Associates, a comprehensive family wealth management corporation. Dr. Kirk recently completed two terms as Vice Chairman of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II President’s Council and the NCAA Executive Committee, the governing board of the association.
An avid athlete and former college football coach, Dr. Kirk enjoys competing in triathlons and, in 1995 completed a cross-country bike ride. Under his oversight, the university has added eight intercollegiate athletic teams––and twelve teams have gone on to participate in post-season play.
Dr. Kirk is married and the father of two grown children. |
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