Daniel J. Curran

Daniel J. Curran is president of the University of Dayton, recognized as a top-tier national university and one of the 10 best Catholic universities in the country. The Philadelphia native became the University of Dayton's 18th president and first lay leader on July 1, 2002.

Dr. Curran is guiding the University of Dayton through transformational times. A new master plan will shape development on a campus that now spans to the Great Miami River. A new strategic plan, A Vision of Excellence, will focus on strengthening the school's distinct Catholic and Marianist identity, diversifying the student body, internationalizing the curriculum, hiring nationally prominent faculty and building upon a learning-living environment that supports academic excellence.

Under Dr. Curran's leadership, the University of Dayton has enjoyed record applications, record sponsored research dollars and tremendous momentum.

In the past four years, the University started new exchange programs in China, established centers of excellence in nanotechnology and fuels and combustion, opened a science center, built a sports complex, launched the nation's first accelerated law curriculum and started a doctor of physical therapy program. In addition, UD opened the Dayton Early College Academy, a public high school on campus that prepares first-generation college students to earn a high school diploma and college credits at the same time. In the residential arena, UD constructed two facilities that combine living and learning - Marianist Hall, a residence hall with learning spaces, and ArtStreet, an imaginative housing and arts education complex in the University neighborhood. RecPlex, an ultramodern fitness and recreation complex, opened in 2006.

As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division I board of directors, Dr. Curran helped shape academic reforms designed to improve the graduation rate of student-athletes. He has been named to its executive committee and Division I-AA/I-AAA Presidential Advisory Group.

In the Dayton region, he focuses on economic development and high-tech issues. He chairs the Wright Brothers Institute board and serves on nearly two dozen others, including the Dayton Development Coalition, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, National Composite Center and Miami Valley Research Foundation. In the state, the governor tapped him for the Ohio Aerospace and Advisory Council.

Colleagues praise him for his forward-thinking approach, dedication to the Marianist mission, energy, approachability and strong commitment to social justice.

A sociologist by training, Dr. Curran spent 23 years in various administrative and faculty positions at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, most recently as executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs. He's a noted scholar in criminology, juvenile justice and social problems, with a deep interest in international issues.

Most of Dr. Curran's research has focused on ways to address social inequality. His prolific scholarly record includes eight books, most of which he co-authored with his wife, Claire M. Renzetti, former chair of the sociology department at Saint Joseph's University.

In 1990, he served as a Fulbright Senior Scholar at the University of Melbourne in Australia. He held a concurrent professorship at Nanjing University in China.

Dr. Curran earned a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware in 1980 after receiving a master's degree from Temple University in 1978 and a bachelor's degree from Saint Joseph's University in 1973 - all in sociology. Dr. Curran and his wife, Claire, have two sons, Sean and Aidan.