Arvid Johnson Retiring: University Of St. Francis President

JOLIET — The University of St. Francis Board of Trustees announced on Monday that University President Arvid C. Johnson will retire 13 months from now. He is the ninth president of the University and will finish his tenure on May 31, 2025, after 12 years of service.

“This decade plus of service to USF has been one of the highlights of my professional life,” Johnson remarked in the university's press release. “But the time is right for me to move on to my next chapter. Anne and I look forward to that, while still remaining involved with USF.”

The Board will soon begin a national search for the next president.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Dr. Johnson,” said Joe Mallof, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees. “His passionate commitment to students and love of USF, coupled with fiscal responsibility and many accomplishments makes Dr. Johnson an active and innovative leader. The entire Board thanks Arvid and his wife, Anne, for their many years of service and dedication. We are very grateful for a yearlong transition period so we can find a next president who shares Dr. Johnson’s commitment to USF’s high standards and embodies our values.”

According to Monday's announcement, Johnson advanced the university locally, nationally, and globally. On campus improvements included renovations to the Plaster Center (Mode Theater) and Guardian Angel Hall that significantly upgraded learning spaces for many academic programs like USF’s Business Incubator and the Leach College of Nursing. The construction of a Science Building created a state-of-the-art environment in which students and faculty can “do science” and research in collaboration. The University now operates three Joliet campuses and will soon break ground on a student success center which will collocate the registrar, advising, tutoring, and accessibility offices at the main campus.

With his team, Johnson substantially improved USF’s financial position and fiscal viability including building cash reserves, increasing net assets to an all-time high, more than doubling the University’s endowment, and raising over $50 million, including state and federal grants.

The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 3,300 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.