The president of St. Catherine University in St. Paul plans to retire next summer, and a search for her replacement has begun.
ReBecca Koenig Roloff, 69, has led the university since 2016. She will retire Aug. 15, 2024, at the end of her eighth year as president. A search committee convened by the chair of the university’s board of trustees, Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet Jean Wincek, has begun a national search for a new president and will guide the transition.
“Becky has led St. Kate’s through tumultuous times locally with the murder of George Floyd, nationally with dramatic changes in higher education, and internationally with the first pandemic in 100 years,” Sister Jean said in a statement. “With insight, courage and commitment to the mission of educating women to lead and influence, Becky will leave our beloved university in a strong position as a vibrant Catholic institution with the liberal arts woven through every fiber of its academic programming.”
Roloff said her professional life was launched at St. Kate’s when she walked onto campus. Roloff graduated from the university in 1976.
“The circle will close 52 years later in a role that is the privilege of my career,” she said in a statement. “The life afforded to me because of my education at St. Kate’s drives all decisions and choices I make as president so that others have the same chance I did.”
During her term as president, the university consolidated two campuses into one in St. Paul, created and implemented a 10-year strategic academic plan called Setting our Sails 2028, and a $130 million capital campaign expected to conclude in November.
Plans for retirement include enjoying more time for her four grandchildren and resuming hobbies and passions put on hold while president, Roloff said.
“I am forever a grateful Katie,” Roloff said.
