The search for USF’s 29th President Begins
President Paul Fitzgerald, S.J.’s decade-long chapter on the Hilltop has come to a close. The USF Board of Trustees announced his resignation via email on Sept. 23.
President Fitzgerald said, “It has been an honor and privilege to serve as USF’s 28th President. I am very proud of all that we – faculty, librarians, staff, administrators, students, and alumni – have accomplished together” in a statement to the Board of Trustees, according to the email.
He continued, “I am confident that USF has the people and the vision to enliven its distinctive mission, a mission that is perhaps more critical now than ever before. I am committed to doing everything possible to ensure a seamless transition into a new chapter of leadership for the university’s future.”
In a statement to the Foghorn, Kellie Samson, the University’s spokesperson, wrote, “Fr. Fitzgerald made this decision after careful discernment and the board accepted it. It was not called for by anyone. After 10 years, he has stated that he is ready to explore new professional opportunities and he believes USF is well-positioned to welcome a new leader.”
At the time of publication, Fitzgerald has not disclosed a finalized departure date from the University. Samson said, “When we have further information on the timing of Fr. Fitzgerald’s departure, we will inform the community.”
Following the announcement, the Board of Trustees said that they will be “implementing a transition plan that ensures continued progress in the work of the University.”
Samson said, “Cabinet members will serve as a transition team, assuming responsibilities for day-to-day university operations and developing strategic plans.”
Donna Davis, who has served as a member of USF’s general counsel and as a cabinet member, Julie Orio, former vice president of student life, Shannon Gary, former associate vice president and dean of students and Lester Deanes, former assistant vice president of student engagement, will all assume new roles effective immediately.
Davis has stepped into the role of general counsel and acting senior vice president, Orio is now the vice president of operations, Gary is the vice president of student life and Deanes is the associate vice president of student life and dean of students. All role changes but Davis’s are permanent.
“The Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs will continue to lead academic affairs in collaboration with the deans and their leadership teams,” Samson said.
“The priorities will continue to focus on curriculum innovation, enrollment, retention, student success and educational partnership for revenue generation, while strengthening and evolving our Jesuit liberal arts education and cultivating stable leadership that strengthens the educational experiences for our students, which remain at the heart of the academic enterprise.”
Much of the information regarding the timeline and next steps following Fitzgerald’s resignation have not been determined. According to Samson, “A search for the 29th president of the University of San Francisco will begin immediately.”
“Details on the process, including the search committee membership and opportunities for community engagement, will be shared as soon as plans and timing are finalized.”
This search committee will consider internal and external applicants, Samson clarified.
“We hope to have a diverse pool of candidates to consider to identify the person best suited to lead USF forward in our mission to change the world from here,” she said.
The Foghorn will continue to report on updates regarding President Fitzgerald’s resignation and the search for his replacement.
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