Rev. Rose to be new St. Francis de Sales president

Currently serves as vice president of the school

Rev. Geoffrey Rose

St. Francis de Sales High School will have a new president next year, when current leader the Rev. Ronald Olszewski will be replaced by the Rev. Geoffrey Rose, who is the current vice president of the school.

Father Rose will be the third president of the school since it opened in 1955, the school said in a statement released today. He will take over as president on July 1, 2015. Father Olszewski has served as president since 1978. He will continue to serve as chairman of the school's foundation, and will focus on growing the school's endowment.

Before joining St. Francis, Father Rose worked at Lumen Christi Catholic High School in Jackson, Mich., for 12 years as a teacher, chaplain, and director of campus ministry. He has a bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University, and a master of divinity degree in theology from the University of St. Michael’s College/-University of Toronto.

Before his education and ministry career, Father Rose was in politics. He was elected to the Ypsilanti city council in 1992, and selected Mayor pro-tem the next year. He also served as a senior staff member in the U.S. Congress.

"I am very honored to be appointed the next President of this great school," Father Rose said. "St. Francis has a tradition of excellence in fulfilling its mission."

St. Francis' board of trustees decided in 2011 to develop a five-year strategic plan that included a succession plan.