Elder Announces New Leadership Model, Academic Expansion

Elder’s Board of Trustees, with the appointment by Archbishop Robert Casey, has named Kurt Ruffing – Elder’s principal/CEO for the past 10 years – the school’s first president. Under the new leadership model, Ruffing will continue to provide strategic leadership, overseeing advancement, financial stability, facilities and all external, Board and Archdiocesan relations. The new principal will assume day-to-day academic and operational leadership of the school, guiding programs and curriculum, faculty, athletics and the student experience.

Elder will begin a search for the new principal with the goal of having the new leader in place before the start of the next academic school year.   

“After more than 40 years at Elder, I know firsthand the incredible foundation our faculty, families, alumni and supporters have built,” Ruffing said. “This new structure gives us the opportunity to strengthen and preserve that foundation while creating the leadership capacity to pursue the significant opportunities ahead.”

One of those opportunities is a new academic program focused on technology, artificial intelligence, business leadership and real-world experiences. The vision for the new program is being shaped by an advisory committee of that includes executives from major U.S. technology companies, experts in advancing AI initiatives in higher education and business leaders working across technology, innovation and workforce development. Many are Elder alumni, joined by experts who bring additional perspective and expertise.

A national search is underway for a program director to bring the vision to life and further shape the curriculum, partnerships and student experiences as the program moves toward its launch for the 2027–2028 school year.  

Board of Trustees Chairman Tom Butler underscores that Elder has never been an institution that stands still. “This is an exciting moment of growth and investment – in our leadership, our academic programs, our campus and, most importantly, our students,” Butler said. “Kurt and his team are building on an extraordinary foundation of faith, tradition and mission, and we are confident Elder’s next chapter will be every bit as meaningful as those that came before it.”  

Elder will officially unveil the new academic program to students, families and the broader community at its upcoming Open House on November 12, providing prospective families with an early look at the program and the opportunities it will create for students beginning in 2027-2028.