NORTH ANDOVER ? Father Joseph D. Calderone, OSA has been named interim president of Merrimack College following the announcement Jan. 10 by President Richard J. Santagati that he will retire at the end of this academic year. To ensure a smooth transition in leadership and a presidential search process, Santagati began an earned sabbatical on Jan. 14.

Father Calderone comes to Merrimack from Villanova University, having served as chaplain and counselor for the Villanova University School of Law and the former associate director of campus ministry. He is a member of the Order of St. Augustine, the founding order of Merrimack College. Father Calderone has served on the Board of Trustees of Merrimack College since 2005.

In addition, Father Calderone retired as captain of the U.S. Navy Reserve Chaplain Corps after 21 years, six of those with the 4th Marine Air Wing. He served five years at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. and eight years with the Loyola University Medical Center as chaplain. Also an educator, Father Calderone was an adjunct professor at DePaul University, Neumann College, Rollins College, and St. Leo College. He served as the former director of campus ministry and dormitory counselor at Merrimack College from 1974 to 1978. He was director of campus ministry for the Diocese of Orlando, Fla., was a director of continuing education for the Washington Theological Union, and served as an educator/chaplain at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill. He is currently a board member of both Medifast/Jason Pharmaceuticals and Augustinian Press, Inc.