Bruess named first president of College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University

Members of the search committee responsible for finding the first president of the College of St. Benedict (CSB) and St. John’s University (SJU) have announced their decision.

An announcement shared on the school’s website states Brian Bruess, Ph.D., has been named to the position.

Bruess previously served as the president of St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin since 2017. He is returning to Minnesota, having served for more than two decades at St. Catherine University, including more than three years as the school’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, officials say.

The search committee said they wanted someone who was aware “of the shared values that form the bedrock of both institutions.”

The two schools have operated under two boards made of one set of common members since January of this year. Bruess, who is originally from Monroe, Wisconsin, graduated from St. Norbert College and then went on to Ohio University.

Bruess, who was named to the position Tuesday, will begin his position on July 1, 2022. You can watch a video below of Bruess greeting the CSB and SJU community.