Jane Canney, vice president for student affairs, announced Monday morning that she will be resigning effective Dec. 31.

Canney, who has been at St. Thomas since 2004, is leaving the university to “pursue new ventures,” according an email she sent out to the staff Monday morning. Before coming to St. Thomas, Canney served as vice president of student affairs at the University of Minnesota and vice president of marketing and human resources at Dakota Communities in West St. Paul.

Canney’s time at the university has been spent implementing the tobacco-free campus initiative, the institution-wide sexual misconduct policy and the student health insurance program, among other projects.

“I’ve been able to work with a superb student affairs team, work with superb people … whether it’s faculty, staff and particularly students, working with trustees and donors and community members,” Canney said. “I think we’ve accomplished so much.”

Besides working on projects and initiatives, Canney has been involved in operating four buildings on campus. The Anderson Student Center, the Anderson Athletic and Recreation Complex, Flynn Hall and the Child Development Center. Out of all her memories, Canney said she’ll miss working with students the most.

“I think that St. Thomas attracts amazing students from all over,” Canney said. “I think to be able to be welcomed into family lives and to work closely with families and sometimes students … has been wonderful. You are all just perched to do your next thing, and I think that it’s been incredible. I’ve loved it.”

Junior Rahel Lemma said she will miss Canney.

“I know her more so on a personal level,” Lemma said. “Just seeing her every day in the student center and having nice conversations with her like everytime I see her she’s like, ‘How have you been?’ and ‘How’re your classes going?’ and all that kind of stuff.”

Junior Gold Vue said she’s going to miss Canney’s warm interaction with students.

“I don’t really know her on a personal level but just being able to interact with her every now and then, it actually … feels really relaxing every time you see her,” Vue said. “She makes the atmosphere very welcoming, so it’s not like intimidating to actually go up to her and start a conversation.”

While her plans after St. Thomas aren’t yet finalized, Canney said she intends to stay connected with the university.

“I have other things I want to do yet too, and I need to pursue those,” Canney said. “I think it’s a great time – the institution is just rolling out the strategic plan, and I’m very excited about the leadership of President Sullivan.”