Livonia — Longtime Madonna University president Sr. Rose Marie Kujawa, CSSF, will retire June 30, 2015, the Catholic university announced April 23.Sr. Kujawa will have led the Felician-run university for 14 years when she steps down next summer, after the completion of a $50 million capital campaign and new science and media building.
“The timing is right for me as we celebrate the completion of our $50-million comprehensive campaign and the accomplishment of several projects, including the Gold level, LEED-certified Franciscan Center for science and media,” Sr. Kujawa said in a statement. “It is time for new leadership to implement several visionary plans that are in various stages of development, and to bring fresh ideas to the table.”
Before her tenure as president, Sr. Kujawa spent 17 years at the university as academic vice president. After retirement, she plans to update her book, “Madonna Milestones,” and help support the Felician Sisters’ missions in Africa and South America, she said.
The news release touted several accomplishments during Sr. Kujawa’s tenure, including a 10 percent enrollment increase; the university’s first doctoral program, in nursing; a new athletic facility and significant upgrades to the university’s classroom technology. The university also saw several building and property enhancements during her tenure.
Sr. Kujawa also led the transition from a college to university.
A national search will be undertaken to find Sr. Kujawa’s successor, the university said.
Sr. Kujawa received her bachelor’s degree from Madonna College in 1966 and received a master’s and doctorate from Wayne State University.
