La Salle president to step down next year

La Salle President Michael J. McGinniss will step down next year after 15 years at the helm of the Philadelphia university, officials announced Tuesday.

A Christian brother, McGinniss will remain in the job through May 31, 2014. A presidential search committee will begin work this summer.

"After 15 years and three terms as La Salle's president, and after much discernment, it seems like this is the right time for me to transition this work to a new president," McGinniss said in a prepared statement.

La Salle officials credit McGinniss with launching a new strategic plan for the university, which helped to raise $133 million for new facilities and programs and increased the endowment by 88 percent to $79.4 million.

Undergraduate enrollment increased 13 percent and graduate enrollment by 24 percent. The university also expanded  satellite locations and added new programs in business, nursing and other areas.

Board Chairman Bill Sautter credited McGinniss with improving the university.

"His strong and strategic leadership has left the university well positioned for future growth and success," he said in a prepared statement.