Aretz named president of UGF
Anthony Aretz has been named the next president of the University of Great Falls. He will assume office on July 1, according to a media release from UGF
Aretz, formerly Cincinnati’s Mount St. Joseph University president, has more than 30 years of academic experience. He served as academic vice president at Christian Brothers University, as well as being a faculty member at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Aretz is a retired lieutenant colonel with the Air Force.
During his seven-year tenure at MSJU, Aretz was successful in launching the Center for Ethical Leadership as well as creating a career preparedness program. MSJU also establishing an innovative on-campus work opportunity to help students manage the cost of tuition and enhance the affordability of their education. Several new majors, including graduate and doctorate degrees in nursing and business were also added. MSJU also underwent the transition from a college to university designation with Aretz’s leadership.
“I am honored and excited to be selected as the University of Great Falls’ next president,” Aretz said in the release. “This is an important period in UGF’s history and great things lie ahead for the campus. My wife Terry and I are looking forward to becoming committed members of the UGF community and active participants in our new hometown of Great Falls.”
Aretz is replacing Sister Lucille Dean, part of the Providence Health and Services that oversees UGF, who has filled in as the interim president during a national search to replace Eugene McAllister, who announced last July he was stepping down.
“The selection of Dr. Anthony Aretz as the next president of the University of Great Falls is wonderful news. Having had the opportunity to meet and interact with Dr. Aretz when he was recently on campus, all members of our university community are looking forward to his arrival,” said interim President, Sister Lucille Dean, in the release. “His demonstrated leadership, experience, particular understandings of Catholic higher education and his excitement about partnering with the trustees, faculty, staff and students at UGF indicate a strong and exciting future.”
McAllister led the private, liberal arts Catholic university for 12 years but stayed on for an extra year to work on major gifts and alumni relations for the university as president emeritus.
When McAllister came to UGF, the university was predominantly serving non-traditional-aged college students who were not living on campus, but that has changed as the school now has an enrollment of 1,074 students, according to its website.
The university has seen significant changes at UGF since McAllister came to the school in 2003. It has added a freshman dormitory, apartment-style housing and faculty offices, remodeled facilities, expanded academic programs such as the science department to include new undergraduate research programs for students.
McAllister is also credited with expanding the athletics program to include basketball, volleyball, wrestling, soccer, golf, cross-country, rodeo, lacrosse, softball, track and field and more.