Dear University of Providence Alumni,
Dr. Tony Aretz has announced his decision to retire from his role as president of the University of Providence to focus his attention on family and ongoing mission-driven work in his community and nationally. Please find his announcement below.
Dr. Aretz has become known within the Great Falls community as a pioneering leader who helped the University of Providence become the thriving educational ministry it is today. Of his many achievements, several standout and will remain part of his lasting legacy. Under Dr. Aretz’s leadership, the University secured the funding and resources to revitalize its campus and create new, innovative programs. It was with his tireless effort and dedication we were able to establish the School of Health Professionals and introduce three new intercollegiate sports. Of Dr. Aretz’s many achievements, most notable was his commitment to upholding and strengthening the University’s Catholic identity, and in his expression of its mission and values. He leaves a firm foundation on which we will continue to build.
The Board of Trustees has appointed Father Oliver Doyle, STL, current University vice president for Mission Integration, as interim president, effective immediately. The Board is confident that Fr. Oliver is best suited to build on Dr. Aretz’s legacy, and we encourage you to learn more about him and his unique qualifications and academic acumen by reading the attached bio. We appreciate Dr. Aretz’s gracious offer to support the University during this transition.
On behalf of the University, I want to thank and celebrate Dr. Aretz for his service to this ministry and community. His contributions will serve us for years to come. Please join me in extending a blessing over his next adventure, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Terry B. Cosgrove
Board Chair, University of Providence Board of Trustees
406-439-0770
Dear Providence University Board of Trustees,
It is with bittersweet sentiment that I reach out to you today and share my decision to retire from the University of Providence.
It has been an absolute pleasure serving as president of this great institution and ministry, and leading a hardworking, committed group of academic professionals. Your dedication to the students of University of Providence and their pursuit of liberal arts education is inspiring, and I hope that you share in my pride of what we together were able to accomplish.
As I have approached retirement, I’ve been introspecting – identifying the people and things in life that are the most important to me. What I’ve found is that I’m a man of faith, committed to Catholic, mission-driven work, my family and community. My decision to leave the University revolves around my desire to focus on these things. I want to dedicate more time to my family, civic and community service in Great Falls and the Montana region, and to exploring other mission-focused endeavors in and outside of academia nationally. I look forward to seeing where God leads me in my next chapter.
I trust that the University will select someone well suited to take on the responsibilities and leadership this position entails. During this time of transition, I will continue my commitment to servant leadership by supporting the University. I will also work with Providence St. Joseph Health on initiatives around secondary and postsecondary education, including growth and innovation strategies.
As I embark on my next adventure, I am reminded of how far we’ve come and the endless possibilities ahead. I will continue to follow the University of Providence’s journey to continued growth and success, and know that great things are in store.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tony Aretz
President, University of Providence
