Dr. Jane Canney, vice president for student affairs at St. Thomas since 2004, has announced her resignation, effective Dec. 31.
Dr. Karen Lange, dean of students, will assume the additional responsibilities of interim vice president for student affairs until a permanent successor to Canney is named, said Dr. Richard Plumb, provost and executive vice president.
In an email to colleagues, Canney called it “an honor and a privilege” to have served as a vice president at St. Thomas and that she has loved “this amazing experience.” She plans to pursue other interests next year.
“One of my greatest joys has been the opportunity to work with superb Student Affairs staff, in collaboration with students, staff, faculty, trustees, families and donors across the St. Thomas community and beyond,” she said. “Throughout this time, I was most fortunate to have benefited from visionary leaders who respected this work.”
President Julie Sullivan praised Canney’s efforts in creating and implementing a tobacco-free campus, a new sexual misconduct policy, a student health insurance program and the Dease Scholarship Program. She helped to design crisis management resources, including the University Action and Response Team and the UST Cares website.
Canney also was involved in developing and operating four buildings that opened during her tenure – Anderson Student Center (2012), Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex (2010), Flynn Residence Hall (2005) and Child Development Center (2005).
“Jane is a superb leader who always has had, as her No. 1 priority, the welfare of our students and working across our campuses to provide the best possible education for them,” Sullivan said. “I want to thank her for her vision and her leadership, and on behalf of the entire university community I wish her the best.”
Canney said she will most miss the students and colleagues who collaborated with her on countless projects over the past decade. She holds two degrees from St. Thomas – a master of arts degree in teaching and a doctorate in organization development.
“Special thanks to each of you for the good counsel and support which you have provided me during these exciting times,” she said.