WHEELING, WV, Jan. 30, 2012 -- A former president of Wheeling Jesuit University, Rev. Charles Currie, S.J., has been recognized as a "Champion of Change," by the Obama Administration for his work in Catholic higher education. Currie is also the former president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU).

Currie was honored with the recognition, which identifies leaders who embody the ideals of Innovating, Educating, and Building, at the White House on January 25.

Currie, who holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from The Catholic University of America, was president of Wheeling Jesuit from 1972-1982. Currie came to Wheeling at a time of financial difficulty and declining enrollment. He was committed to building on the goals of the original founders and expanding the impact the college had on the Ohio Valley. A major boost in funding came through Title III (Advanced Institutional Development Program), which brought the college $1.5 million in federal funds from 1976-81. Along with supplementary funds from the Benedum Foundation (in business) and HEW Health Resources Division (in nursing), the college was able to begin new programs, increase student retention, develop a strong data-based management system including computer capability and provide funds for faculty and administrative development.

After five years, Wheeling College became one of the few schools in the nation to quit the Title III program voluntarily. Currie left with an 80 percent rise in enrollment, gifts from private sources reaching $1 million per year, an evening division established, 12 new programs and a balanced budget.

(Photo shows Currie at WJU President Richard A. Beyer's fall 2011 inauguration, from left, Currie, Bishop Michael J. Bransfield, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston; President Beyer and Maryland Provincial Rev. James Shea, S.J.)

Following his Wheeling Jesuit presidency, Currie was president of AJCU for 14 years before stepping down last June. He worked on behalf of the 28 Jesuit institutions to promote national and international collaboration and to develop programs and initiatives that educate for justice. He was the co-founder of the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice and the Ignatian Solidarity Network, efforts that help form life-long student leaders committed to the "service of faith and the promotion of justice."

As part of his justice work, Currie was a staunch advocate in making education accessible to talented yet economically challenged students. He fought tirelessly for increases in federal student aid so that all academically-eligible individuals could have access to higher education.

To read more on the "Champion of Change" award, please visit the AJCU website or the White House website.