The president of Cedarville University will step down as president on June 30 and assume the role of chancellor.

William E. Brown, president since 2003, shared the news with the student body during chapel Monday morning.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is “an accredited, Christ-centered Baptist university of arts, sciences professional and graduate programs” offering more than 100 areas of study. CU has been recognized nationally for its academic programs, graduation and retention rates and accredited professional and health science offerings.

“Serving the faculty, staff and students at Cedarville University has been a true joy for Lynne and me during the past 10 years,” Brown said via information released to area media. “The past 10 years is a testimony to the fact that as Christians, when we humble ourselves and serve the Lord fully, he will our work for his glory.”

Under Brown’s tenure, the campus experienced renovation and new construction that included the Center for Biblical and Theological Studies in 2008, as the Health Sciences Center this year. As well, all of the residence halls have been remodeled.

Student enrollment increased from 2,996 in 2002 to 3,386 this years, the university says because of Brown’s vision to strategically reassess university financial aid. The university in 2010 increased scholarship aid and freshman enrollment jumped from 724 in 2009 to 859 in 2010, according to the university.

Overall enrollment increased because of the addition of master’s degrees, online programs and the doctoral degree in pharmacy. Strategies in place to continue increasing enrollment will not change because of the change in leadership, according to the university.

Academically, Cedarville University has added new programs including pharmacy, industrial and innovative design, forensic science, and journalism. The university also has increased recruitment efforts, including the development of an office in China.

A search committee to find the next president will be established soon, according to the university.