EVANSVILLE — Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz has been named the 24th president of the University of Evansville.
Pietruszkiewicz (petra- skev -ich), is a dean and professor of law at Stetson University’s College of Law and was formally elected president by the UE Board of Trustees Wednesday.
The national search was led by UE trustee Sally Rideout and a search committee.
“Throughout the process, we were impressed by the pool of candidates interested in serving UE – a group with diverse experiences and backgrounds,” Rideout said in a release from UE. “Pietruszkiewicz’s comprehensive understanding of the overall institutional operation and his successful leadership of taking Stetson’s independently operating College of Law through a time of great change made him stand out. The committee believes his vision and leadership style are a strong match for the University of Evansville and our entire community.”
Pietruszkiewicz begins on July 1 replacing UE President Thomas A. Kazee, who is retiring in May after eight years as president.
“Dr. Kazee has provided outstanding leadership to this great University. During his eight years as president, we have witnessed the development of innovative new programs spearheaded by an outstanding faculty and staff,” said Linda White, chairman of University of Evansville’s Board of Trustees, in a UE press release. “We now look forward to seeing what exciting developments lie ahead as Pietruszkiewicz leads our University.”
Pietruszkiewicz has served as dean and professor of law at Stetson University College of Law for six years, according to a release from UE. The College of Law is geographically located three hours from Stetson’s undergraduate campus and is autonomous in managing its $40 million annual budget. As dean, Pietruszkiewicz has been closely involved with all faculty, administration, and operations. Under his leadership, Stetson’s College of Law contributed more than 30,000 hours of service to the community, and alumni support has increased by 39 percent.
“I am delighted to join the University of Evansville community and look forward to working together with an exceptional faculty and outstanding staff to provide an education of distinction,” Pietruszkiewicz said in a release from UE. “From an international experience ranked number 1 in the country, to 96 percent of students participating in real-world externship experiences, to 94 percent graduating with meaningful jobs or graduate school awaiting them, I am eager to build on the tremendous success of UE. There is so much more we will do together.”
Pietruszkiewicz is married to Siobhan (sha-von) Pietruszkiewicz, a licensed clinical worker with over a decade of experience writing and implementing grants for state agencies and local nonprofits. She has taught social work courses at Louisiana State University for undergraduate and graduate students as well as law students. The Pietruszkiewiczs have two children: Ryan, age 12; and John, age 8.