The president of the College of Eastern Utah announced Monday that he's stepping down after seven years at the helm.

Ryan L. Thomas cited personal reasons for leaving the school, an institution he steered out of a financial crisis.

"For the past seven years, Ann and I have been honored to be a part of the College of Eastern Utah," Thomas said of himself and his wife. "We are proud to be a part of a community of professionals committed to education and service. However, the time is right for our family to pursue other opportunities."

Thomas' reign saw improvements at the college, including the climb from a $1.9 million budget deficit to a $200,000 surplus reported in the last fiscal year. Upon arrival in 2001, he was faced with decisions that led to budget cuts and eliminating positions in order to regain structure.

While Thomas lists the restoration of solid funding as his most important achievement during his seven years at CEU, he also helped the college see the completion of major buildings, including the G.J. Reeves classroom and administration building, and the successful merger of the Southeast Applied Technology College with CEU.

Thomas helped the school overcome accreditation weaknesses in planning and assessment, as well as improving communications with CEU's San Juan campus in Blanding and establishment of a focus on student needs at the school.

"President Thomas has made tremendous contributions to CEU as well as to the Utah System of Higher Education," said Board of Regents Chairman Jed H. Pitcher. "We are grateful for his dedication, sacrifice and committed service to the students, the college and this state. He will be missed."

The board of regents will announce an interim president by the end of the school year, and Thomas has said he will remain at the institution until after this year's commencement exercises.

"It's always a difficult thing to change presidents," said Brad King, CEU's vice president for institutional advancement and student services. He said the majority of the campus community was saddened by the announcement and will wait with "great anticipation" for news of the new president.

"I don't even know what kind of president they'll be looking for," King said, adding that Thomas has "definitely left the woodpile higher."

Thomas' "collaborative way of doing things," he said, will be difficult to find, as well as his "insider knowledge" of the accreditation process. Students enjoyed his "congenial, open and available" status over the years, as King said Thomas was approachable on all kinds of issues.

Thomas came to CEU, which boasts a 1,665-member student body, from Utah Valley State College, where he served in a number of different administrative capacities. He also worked at Brigham Young University and as general counsel for the former Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho.

"It has been a pleasure working with President Thomas over the past several years," said Interim Commissioner of Higher Education Dave Buhler. "He always puts the students first. He is optimistic and instills this vision in those he encounters."

Thomas has said he will probably end up moving from Price to somewhere between Salt Lake City and Logan, to be closer to his children. The college plans to recognize Thomas with a celebration following graduation ceremonies later this year.

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