Yanikoski to head Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities

Published: 2005-02-10

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Richard Yanikoski, president emeritus of St. Xavier University in Chicago, has been named president and executive director of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities in Washington, effective Aug. 15. He will succeed Monika Hellwig, who is retiring in August. "Richard Yanikoski is an experienced administrator and proven leader. It is with enthusiasm that we welcome his collaboration, commitment and conviction on behalf of Catholic higher education," said Dennis Golden, president of Fontbonne University in St. Louis and chair of the ACCU board of directors. Yanikoski was president of St. Xavier University from 1994-2003. Prior to that position, he was the associate vice president for academic affairs at DePaul University. "My career interests have always centered on strengthening Catholic higher education," Yanikoski said in a statement. "What especially excites me about this position is that I will be able to work with the Catholic campuses and do so in dialogue with the American bishops, the Vatican, the national press, government agencies and other higher education associations. This opportunity is a dream come true for me. I have great expectations." The incoming ACCU president said he wants to communicate through national media and the Catholic press the impact Catholic higher education has on American society. Hellwig, a prolific author and frequent lecturer who has been ACCU's president and executive director for the past nine years, plans to continue writing and lecturing during her retirement. Prior to being at the helm of ACCU, she was a theology professor for 30 years at Jesuit-run Georgetown University in Washington. She was also a visiting professor at 10 U.S. colleges and universities.

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