University of Dubuque President Begins Process of Stepping Away
According to a press release from the institution, University of Dubuque President Rev. Jeffrey F. Bullock, PhD, initiated with the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, March 21st, the orderly process of stepping away from the presidency after 25 years of service. Bullock will continue to serve as president until a new president is in place in roughly 16 to 30 months, depending upon the search process. Afterwards, Bullock will not retire or resign, but instead serve in an of counsel capacity for the University.
“This is not an emergency and there is nothing wrong. I feel like the work I was called here to do, I have done. I have spent considerable time discerning the timing of this transition and reflecting upon my presidency. As I hope you know, I have never been one to think about legacy. Instead, I have preferred to be forward-looking and I have come to the conclusion that, after 25 years, it is time for the Board of Trustees to begin the process of identifying another leader that, in partnership with the Board, faculty, staff, students, and alumni, will carry forward the important Mission of the University of Dubuque. In sharing this transition at this time, I am providing ample notice in order for the Board to undertake an intentional search for a new president and effectuate a smooth transition for this office.”
-Rev. Jeffrey F. Bullock, PhD, University of Dubuque President
The Board of Trustees will utilize the Board Educational Conference in April to begin the Presidential Search process. Board Chairman Joseph Chlapaty (C’68, DHL’98) will then convene the Board to review the recommended next steps in the search process.
“This is not a sudden decision but simply a normal progression of leadership whether it’s a university, a college, or a business. Jeff has been president for 25 years, and he has worked hard to take the University of Dubuque to a level of prominence as a school of distinction that I think most people would not have thought possible when he assumed the presidency in 1998. It’s been a tremendous accomplishment, and we today have a university that has a beautiful campus, outstanding academic programs, and a unique culture. We, the Board of Trustees, are grateful for the successful effort that Jeff and Dana have put forth and the accomplishments that we have had. I believe this will be a positive development as it relates to the next chapter in the University of Dubuque’s life along with Jeff. Jeff will remain with the University of Dubuque after this period in an of counsel role, and I look forward to working with the new president and Jeff as we continue to move forward.”
-Joseph Chlapaty, UD Board Chairman
Bullock began his service in Dubuque on July 1st of 1996, as dean of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and vice president of the University of Dubuque. On June 1st of 1998, Bullock became the 11th president of the University of Dubuque, replacing then Acting President J. Bruce Meriwether.
During Bullock’s presidency, the University of Dubuque’s endowment has grown from $13 million to $220 million and fundraising efforts have raised around $400 million. Student enrollment has increased from 600 students to approximately 2,000. During this time, the University of Dubuque also grew its campus footprint in the most extensive transformation of UD’s history. This came in the addition of a tech center, library, a rec and wellness center, several halls, a welcome center, off campus facilities, and the LIFE program sites in Dubuque as well as Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Tempe, Arizona; and Meridian, Idaho.