The University of Dayton’s vice president for research has announced his retirement.

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John Leland joined UDRI in 2000 and was promoted to VP for research in 2013, the university said.

“While John will be missed as a leader and as a person, his legacy is secure as a historic builder for UDRI,” said Eric Spina, University of Dayton President. “He has done a great job of identifying and preparing senior leaders within UDRI who are well-positioned to move into executive leadership roles and steer the institute toward continued success.”

With Leland’s departure, there will be a restructuring in the university’s research leadership roles to support UDRI and academic researchers in the schools and college, a university spokesperson said.

Leland says he can not wait to spend more time with friends and family, as well as spending more time traveling.