Winona, MN (KROC AM News) -  A Winona college will soon begin a search for a new leader.

St. Mary’s University of Minnesota President Brother William Mann announced Tuesday he plans to step down next May.

He has been leading the private college based in Winona since 2008.  The school says prior to becoming Saint Mary’s president, Mann spent almost 30 years in leadership roles with the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

Here’s a portion of the letter that included his announcement:

“This past weekend I turned seventy years old. While I am in good health, it seems appropriate that I prepare to change the intensity and the pace of activities and take the opportunity to spend a bit more time with my family. My religious superiors in the Lasallian District of Eastern North America and I came to this decision about two weeks ago after having spent the summer months in reflection, prayer, and discernment.”

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