The Board of Thomas Aquinas College (TAC) in Santa Paula, Calif., appointed Dr. Michael F. McLean as the College’s fourth president on Saturday, October 24. He succeeds interim president Peter DeLuca who took office after the tragic death of 18-year president Dr. Thomas Dillon last Spring. McLean, who holds a doctorate in philosophy, has taught and held several positions of authority at TAC since 1978. "I am humbled and deeply honored,” said McLean.  “I have a deep love for the College, for the faculty, and for the students and will commit myself completely to preserving the College's mission, purpose, and fidelity to the Catholic Church. Together with the board and the faculty, and with God's help, I will work to ensure that the College continues to attract eager and diligent students and remains in its present strong financial condition." Dr. Michael McLean will be inaugurated as president next semester on February 13, 2010. Thomas Aquinas College is featured in The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College, now a free online resource, for its strong Catholic identity. Published by The Cardinal Newman Society, the 2nd edition of The Newman Guide is dedicated to the memory of late TAC president Thomas Dillon  Source: Thomas Aquinas College