St. Thomas U President Steps Down During Investigation

St. Thomas University President David Armstrong resigned after eight years on the job and more than a month on administrative leave amid an investigation into an alleged policy violation.

The Miami Herald reported that his resignation Tuesday followed a university investigation into claims that he violated St. Thomas policy. He was initially placed on leave in July. However, the university provided no update on the specific claims or any findings when it announced his exit.

“We accept President Armstrong’s decision and thank him for the contributions he made to St. Thomas University,” officials said in a statement. “We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Armstrong previously led Thomas More College in Kentucky from 2013 to 2018 before joining the private Catholic university in Miami Gardens. Under his leadership, St. Thomas achieved multiple years of record enrollment growth, set annual fundraising records and increased operating revenue by more than half, according to university documents. Financial records show a strong fiscal position.

The Rev. Rafael Capó, St. Thomas’s vice president for mission and ministry, has led the university since Armstrong was placed on leave and will continue in that capacity. The university has not yet provided public details on if or when it may launch a presidential search.