Kansas City, Mo. ? The Rockhurst University board of trustees on Monday announced that the Rev. Thomas B. Curran has been chosen as the school’s next president.

An ordained Roman Catholic priest, Curran will take over at the Jesuit school in June. He replaces the Rev. Edward Kinerk, who is stepping down to take a sabbatical after eight years. Kinerk will then receive a new assignment.

Curran is currently an associate vice president at Regis University in Denver. Curran, a member of the order of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, will be the first non-Jesuit president of the school, which has about 2,500 students.

“I’ve known Father Curran for several years and I believe he will be an extraordinary and inspirational leader for our institution,” Kinerk said.

Curran graduated from DeSales School of Theology and has a master’s degree from Georgetown University. He also holds a doctorate from the Catholic University of America and a master’s in business from St. Joseph’s University.