St. Thomas students were alerted through email Wednesday that Christopher Puto, dean of Opus College of Business, is stepping down, effective June 30.

Puto played a major role in transforming the business school during his nearly 10 years as dean. One of his greatest accomplishments was the accreditation from the Associate to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which less than 5 percent of the world’s business schools achieve.

“I would say the business program has never been stronger,” senior Tyler Thostenson said. “I think he has been a great asset for St. Thomas, and I’m sure whatever we do to fill his spot while he is away will be fine. He is definitely going to be missed while he’s not on campus.”

Thostenson said that he has faith St. Thomas will find an appropriate candidate to fill the position.

“They have done really well over the past few years, I’m pretty confident they will come up with a good candidate,” Thostenson said.

Puto said the timing of these decisions is always important, but the Opus College of Business is in a “wonderful position now”

“The programs are all extraordinarily solid and stable. Our reputation is strong and growing, and so it’s really a good time now for the next generation of leaders to come in and help us continue this path,” he said.

Puto will be on sabbatical until next spring but looks forward to returning to the classroom after he’s had some time to recharge his academic batteries.

“I really enjoy St. Thomas and the students,” he said. “Deans don’t get to interact with the students on a daily basis, but professors do.”

Along with the accreditation, Puto combined the graduate and undergraduate divisions into the College of Business, established a full-time MBA program, opened Schulze and McNeely halls and revitalized the Family Business center.

“I have all the trust in St. Thomas that they will find the right person for the job,” Thostenson said.

Kristopher Jobe contributed to this article.