WCR This Week

Dr. Terrence Downey

SASKATOON — Dr. Terrence Downey, long-time president of St. Mary's University College in Calgary, has been named the new president of St. Thomas More College at the University of Saskatchewan.

Downey, a political scientist, has been president of St. Mary's since 1999. Under his leadership, the private Catholic college in Calgary achieved degree-granting status in 2004.

He will take over Aug. 1 from interim president Dr. Ken Smith, who has been serving since Basilian Father George Smith became superior general of his religious order in September 2010.

St. Thomas More is a federated college at the university.

Downey joins the college in its 75th anniversary year, as it is experiencing strong enrolment, a growing faculty and sound financial outlook, said Michele Wright, chair of the STM board of governors.

"Becoming a part of such a respected Canadian Catholic college is an extraordinary opportunity," said Downey.

"The college and this city have a dynamic energy and I'm thrilled to accept a role that will ensure STM continues to engage students, advance knowledge, connect with the community and serve the wider Catholic faith."