Sladek ready to lead CLU forward

John Sladek John Sladek has been selected as the next president and chief executive officer to lead California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. A resident of Evergreen, Colo., Sladek is currently vice chancellor for research at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center.

"Dr. Sladek's distinguished career as a leader and scholar and his commitment to the distinctive mission and excellence of Lutheran higher education uniquely qualify him for the tasks ahead," said William Kane, chair of the Board of Regents. The Board of Regents approved the selection of Sladek after meeting with the 11-member presidential search committee chaired by regent Kate McLean.

A renowned researcher and a successful administrator, Sladek's scholarly work is in the field of neurology and anatomy. He's served as vice chancellor of research and professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at the University of Colorado at Denver since 2001. Previously, he held faculty leadership positions at Chicago Medical School (1991 to 2001) and the University of Rochester (1982 to 1991). Sladek is a Chicago native.

Sladek earned his undergraduate degrees in biology and chemistry at Carthage College in Wisconsin, one of CLU's sister institutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Sladek serves as a trustee at his alma mater. He received his master of science in biostructure from Northwestern University Medical School in 1968 and his doctorate in anatomy from Chicago Medical School in 1971. His teaching, researching and publishing career began at Chicago Medical School and continued at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

"With a strong background in research and administration, he brings a wealth of experience and accomplishment to CLU as the university develops its new strategic plan and makes an important transition into its second half-century," Kane said.

Sladek is currently involved in the construction of a new 400-acre, $2-billion campus and is overseeing the consolidation of two Denver campuses to create an urban university of distinction with a liberal arts component.

Luther S. Luedtke, PhD, who served as CLU president for nearly 14 years, resigned in December to accept a position as president and chief executive officer of Education Development Center in Newton, Mass. The Rev. Dr. Howard Wennes has served as interim president and will continue to do so until Sladek is officially on board.

"The selection of Dr. Sladek as the sixth president is an important step for CLU given the progress that the university is making both academically and physically. He will be a crucial addition to CLU's leadership team, rounding out the impressive blend of talents already present in the CLU faculty and administration," said McLean, chair of the presidential search committee.

One of Sladek's goals as president will be to lead CLU in increasing its national rankings by creating more master's degree and doctoral programs with a special focus on expanding the sciences and the arts.

"I have been impressed by CLU's commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate studies, the high-quality faculty and students, its strong sense of tradition and community, and its very evident potential for growth and greatness," said Sladek. "I'm aware of the president's need to articulate the overall mission and Lutheran identity of the university. I look forward to working with the Lutheran Church and the larger faith community."

Sladek's wife, Celia, is a professor of physiology and biophysics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. They have three grown children.

Formal inauguration ceremonies will be held for the new president once he has settled into the new position and the community.

Sladek will begin his official duties on Aug. 15.