Rev. Eric Albert Zimmer has been appointed president of the University of Saint Francis, effective July 1.
According to a university announcement Monday, Zimmer will succeed Sister Elise Kriss, who will retire after 27 years as president on June 30. This marks the first time in USF history that a sister will not serve as president since the university was founded in 1890.
USF Board of Trustees Chair Bill Niezer expects a smooth transition due to the overlap between incoming and outgoing presidents.
“Father will be able to get to know the university, to get to know the students, get an understanding of the traditions, all of which we are hopeful and confident will result in a very seamless and a very successful transition,” Niezer said.
Zimmer currently serves as an associate professor at the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame as well as pastor of Saint Patrick’s Church in Walkerton