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OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A former Creighton University teacher and board member will be the next leader of the Jesuit school in Omaha.
The Rev. Daniel Hendrickson was introduced on campus Monday — one day after he was chosen as the university's next president.
Hendrickson, who grew up in Fremont, Nebraska, said he's excited about the position and grateful to have the opportunity to lead Creighton and its roughly 8,000 students.
"It's a great honor for me," said Hendrickson, who currently works at Marquette University.
The search committee interviewed several candidates before settling on the 44-year-old Hendrickson as its choice.
"We think we found an individual that can represent the Creighton community with distinction for years to come," said Dick Kizer, who helped lead the search.
Hendrickson was ordained as a priest on Creighton's campus and once taught philosophy there.
Hendrickson will start the job on July 1 and replace the Rev. Timothy Lannon, who has led Creighton since 2011 after also leading St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia for several years. Lannon is retiring in January because of health concerns.
Hendrickson is currently associate provost of academic initiatives at Marquette University, but he's only been in an administrative role since 2012.
Associate professor Christina Clark said she's concerned Hendrickson may not have enough leadership experience for the Creighton job.
"Even with someone who had many years of experience like Father Lannon, problems still remain," Clark said to the Omaha World-Herald. "I hope that Father Hendrickson can tackle these problems and do good things, but he's never held a position like this before."
Hendrickson earned his bachelor's degree at Marquette and holds master's degrees from Fordham, Santa Clara and Columbia universities. He also holds a doctorate from Columbia.
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