(Article courtesy of UST Communications; media contact Caroline Payne)
HOUSTON, Texas -- Dr. Richard L. Ludwick, who has served as president at the University of St. Thomas-Houston since July 1, 2017, will step down from that role on December 31, 2024 to become President Emeritus. Fr. Dempsey Rosales Acosta has been named interim president effective January 1, 2025. Richard is UST’s ninth president and leaves a legacy of innovation, growth, collaboration, and academic excellence. As President Emeritus he will continue to serve the Board of Directors and the administration through the end of the academic year. The board will undertake a national search for Richard’s successor.
Under Dr. Ludwick’s visionary leadership, UST has experienced remarkable growth and success. His tenure is marked by strategic initiatives that strengthened the University’s mission, expanded its academic offerings, and enhanced its role as a leader in higher education. Dr. Ludwick was instrumental in fostering partnerships with regional, national, and global organizations, increasing philanthropic support and spearheading innovative programs that have positively impacted students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Houston community.
“Richard has been a transformational leader whose passion for education and faith has elevated the University of St. Thomas to new heights,” said Corrigan. “His unwavering commitment to our mission and his strategic vision has positioned UST for a bright and sustainable future. He will be leaving a prolific legacy for the University and our community. On behalf of the entire board, we extend our deepest gratitude for his service and leadership. We have full confidence in Fr. Dempsey’s ability to inspire our community and continue to elevate UST during this transition.”
Under Dr. Ludwick’s leadership, UST has achieved several milestones:
- Seven consecutive years of record-setting enrollment growth, more than doubling undergraduate enrollment.
- Expansion of academic offerings and access to higher education, including new engineering programs, the Kolbe School of Innovation and Professional Studies, the Rising Stars Internship Program, and the St. Thomas Promise Scholarship Program.
- Significant campus growth, with three additional ABSN campuses and the imminent construction of a new residence hall.
- Athletic achievements, including quadrupling athletic programs, NCAA membership, and national esports championships.
- Philanthropic milestones, raising over $100 million – including the largest gift in UST history—and increasing the university’s endowment by 78% to its highest level.
- Created a broader presence by doubling international partnerships.
Fr. Dempsey has been a beloved member of the UST community for many years and will help shepherd the University during the transition. He is currently a tenured Professor of Theology, the Director of the Center Semillero for Hispanic/Latino Theology and holds the J. Michael Miller Endowed Chair in Catholic Studies.
“I step into this role with a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility, knowing that our mission is to educate minds and inspire lives rooted in faith and reason,” said Fr. Dempsey. “Together, we will continue to uphold the traditions of academic excellence and spiritual growth that define this institution, preparing our students not only for success but for a life of purpose guided by the core values of our Basilian founders: goodness, discipline, knowledge and community.”
About University of St. Thomas – Houston
UST’s student body reflects the rich diversity of the city itself. We welcome undergraduate and graduate students of all faiths and of no faith.
The campus is located in Houston's Museum District and Innovation Corridor, a diverse and vibrant urban environment with professional opportunities. We're just steps from downtown and the famed Texas Medical Center where many students perform prestigious internships. Read more about our mission and vision.
About Richard L. Ludwick
Richard served as provost at St. Gregory’s University in Oklahoma before joining ICI. Early in his career, Richard co-founded a law firm in Indiana and later went on to serve institutions of higher learning across the United States, including positions as vice president of enrollment management and student affairs at Albany Law School (Albany, NY); assistant dean for student and academic affairs at the University of Florida’s Fredric G. Levin College of Law (Gainesville); and dean of students at the University of Oregon School of Law (Eugene).
In addition to his Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Evansville, Richard holds a Master of Arts in higher education administration from Teachers College of Columbia University (New York), Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University’s Robert H. McKinney Law School (Indianapolis), and Doctor of Education in policy management and organization of higher education administration from the University of Oregon (Eugene).
Richard served as chair of Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas (ICUT), and as a member of the Texas Medical Center Advisory Board. Richard served as president of the International Council of the Universities of Saint Thomas Aquinas, a global network of institutions dedicated to the spirit of St. Thomas. He also served as a commissioner for the Midwest Higher Education Compact; chair of the board for the Coalition for College Cost Savings; as a member of the Indiana Chamber’s Business Higher Education Policy Committee; and as a member of the State Councils’ Advisory Committee for the Council of Independent Colleges.
