For Immediate Release
Contact: Sharon Jones Schweitzer
sjones@trinity.edu
Date: September 30, 2009

Trinity’s President-elect Earns High Praise from National Higher Education Leaders

Dennis A. Ahlburg

San Antonio –Dennis A. Ahlburg, named Trinity University’s 18^th president on Sept. 25 by the Board of Trustees, has earned the respect and admiration of select college presidents. Dr. Ahlburg has served as the dean of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder since 2005. Under his leadership, the Leeds School has significantly expanded and renovated the business school facilities, strengthened the undergraduate program, increased its resource base, and put into place a strategic plan to enhance the school’s curriculum, diversity, and outreach.

“Dennis Ahlburg is a person who loves to learn. He asks great questions and he really listens to what people have to say. At the same time, he is very direct and open in sharing his own views and judgments,” said Michael S. McPherson, president of the Spencer Foundation. “Dennis draws on his powerful analytical mind as well as his tremendous kindness and concern for others in shaping his views and in inspiring those who work with him. He’ll be a great president.” Dr. McPherson was president of Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn. prior to joining the Spencer Foundation in 2003.

Dr. Ahlburg is an internationally renowned economist with expertise on the impact of population growth on development and the economics of higher education. Morton Schapiro, president of Northwestern University said he’s known Dr. Ahlburg for 35 years. “His intelligence, experience, compassion, and integrity make him the perfect choice!” said Dr. Schapiro, who was president of Williams College prior to his selection to head Northwestern.

Although Dr. Ahlburg will assume the Trinity presidency Jan. 1, 2010, he has wasted no time becoming acquainted with Trinity’s educational strengths and programs. “Among Trinity University’s many excellent attributes, I am impressed with its international programs and ability to attract a growing number of international students. As an educator deeply committed to undergraduate education, I believe that an international experience is essential to the development of global citizens,” said Dr. Ahlburg.

Prior to Dr. Ahlburg’s appointment at the Leeds School, he enjoyed a 25-year career as a professor of economics and academic administrator at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, where he was senior associate dean and the Fesler-Lampert Chair in Urban and Regional Affairs.

“Dennis Ahlburg brings to Trinity a distinguished record of research and teaching and an impressive career as a transformational academic administrator,” said Tim Hixon, chairman of Trinity’s Board of Trustees in announcing his selection.

President-elect Ahlburg is a native of Australia. He received his bachelor’s in economics with first class honors from the University of Sydney, a master’s in economics from the Australian National University, and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ahlburg is married to Penelope Harley, an attorney specializing in alternative dispute resolution and restorative justice; they are parents to three-year-old Benjamin.