The university is beginning a national search for a new vice president for Student Life and dean of students.

Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson will remain in the position until March 8, when he will leave ACU to begin work as vice president for student services at Faulkner University, also a Church of Christ-affiliated university, in Montgomery, Ala.

Dr. Allison Garrett, executive vice president of the university, sent an email to all students on Friday to announce that the university will appoint an interim director of Student Life while it searches throughout the country for Thompson’s permanent successor.

“Jean-Noel has been an integral part of the ACU management team, and has done a wonderful job assembling and leading one of the best Student Life organizations in the nation,” Garrett said. “We wish him and his family every success in this transition.”

Thompson said he is grateful for the opportunity to serve at ACU for nearly six years, but is looking forward to his new challenge.

“My wife Tonya, our seven children and I feel called to work in another corner of God’s great Kingdom, and are excited about how God will use and grow us at Faulkner,” Thompson said. “The Abilene Christian University community has been a true blessing to me and to my family, and I could not have asked for a better team of godly and creative people to work with in Student Life. I wish ACU the very best, and it is my deepest prayer that she will grow and thrive in Godly wisdom.”

Student Life oversees much of the campus outside of the classroom, including ResLife, student organizations, Chapel and ACU Police. Jimmy Ellison, ACU Police chief, said Thompson served the campus with great leadership.

“He was great for the students,” Ellison said. “I think it’s a loss for Student Life and the university, but I wish him great things for his work at Faulkner.”