CLU Selects New Leader to Serve as Sixth President

(THOUSAND OAKS, CA – June 19, 2006) – John Sladek of Evergreen, Colo., has been named President and Chief Executive Officer at California Lutheran University, announced William Kane, Chair of the Board of Regents.

Sladek, who is currently Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, will serve as the sixth leader of the 47-year-old comprehensive university in Thousand Oaks. He will begin his official duties on Aug. 15.

“Dr. Sladek’s distinguished career as a leader and scholar and his commitment to the distinctive mission and excellence of Lutheran higher education uniquely qualify him for the tasks ahead,” said Kane after making the announcement to the campus community on Monday. The Board of Regents approved the selection of Sladek after meeting with the 11-member presidential search committee chaired by Regent Kate McLean.

A renowned researcher and a successful administrator, Sladek’s scholarly work is in the field of neurology and anatomy. He has served as Vice Chancellor of Research and Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at University of Colorado at Denver since 2001. Previously, he held faculty leadership positions at Chicago Medical School (1991-2001) and University of Rochester (1982-1991). (Please see attached curriculum vitae).

An undergraduate alumnus of Carthage College with degrees in biology and chemistry, Sladek received his master of science in biostructure from Northwestern University Medical School in 1968. He went on to receive his doctorate in anatomy from Chicago Medical School in 1971. His teaching, researching and publishing career began at Chicago Medical School and continued at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

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“With a strong background in research and administration, he brings a wealth of experience and accomplishment to CLU as the university develops its new strategic plan and makes an important transition into its second half century,”said Kane.

In Rochester, Chicago and Denver, Dr. Sladek has shown a strategic aptitude for leading successful programs and campus building campaigns. He is currently involved in the construction of a new 400-acre, $2 billion campus while overseeing the consolidation of two Denver campuses to create an urban university of distinction with a liberal arts component. He has also been charged with developing a new office that oversees all research for a nationally ranked biomedical enterprise.

Sladek also has a keen understanding of Lutheran liberal arts education having received his undergraduate degree from one of CLU’s sister institutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is still closely connected to his Lutheran undergraduate alma mater as a 10-year member of the Carthage College Board of Trustees where he serves as chair of the Division of Natural Sciences Advisory Committee.

Luther S. Luedtke, Ph.D., who served as president for nearly 14 years, resigned in December to accept a position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Education Development Center in Newton, Mass. The nationwide presidential search, overseen by a committee representing a broad spectrum of CLU constituents, has been conducted over the past four months. During that time, the Rev. Dr. Howard Wennes has served as Interim President. He will continue to serve as Interim President until Sladek is officially on board.

“The selection of Dr. Sladek as the sixth president is an important step for CLU given the progress that the university is making both academically and physically. He will be a crucial addition to CLU’s leadership team, rounding out the impressive blend of talents already present in the CLU faculty and administration,” said Kate McLean, Chair of the presidential search committee.

One of his goals as president will be to lead CLU in increasing its national rankings by creating more master’s degree and doctoral programs with a special focus on expanding the sciences and the arts.

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“I have been impressed by CLU’s commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate studies, the high quality faculty and students, its strong sense of tradition and community, and its very evident potential for growth and greatness,” said Sladek after accepting the position. “I am aware of the President’s need to articulate the overall mission and Lutheran identity of the University. I look forward to working with the Lutheran Church and the larger faith community,” he added.

“I’m honored to have been selected to lead a rising star among America’s universities,” said Sladek.

Sladek’s wife, Celia, is a professor of physiology and biophysics at University of Colorado School of Medicine. They have three grown children: Jonathan, Stefan and Jessica. Formal inauguration ceremonies will be held for the new president once he has settled into the new position and the community.