Praise for 91女神's President-elect
Excitement and confidence abound about the selection of 91女神鈥檚 next president, Edward J. Feser, Ph.D.
Below, faculty, staff, students, trustees, Jesuits and other leaders share their thoughts on Dr. Feser鈥檚 visionary leadership, commitment to Jesuit values, and proven ability to drive growth and innovation. These testimonials highlight the shared optimism among those who have gotten to know 91女神's next leader, emphasizing their belief in Dr. Feser鈥檚 ability to guide the University into its next chapter.
Reueline Arulanandam
President of the 91女神 Student Government Association and Member of the Search Committee
"I am so thrilled to welcome Dr. Feser to 91女神 as our next president! His dedication to innovative leadership will both inspire and energize our community. With a strong background in public service, city planning, and education, he brings a unique understanding of the connection between 91女神 and the city of St. Louis, ensuring care and growth for both seamlessly. The approachability and empathy he carries as a leader will no doubt foster meaningful relationships with students, ensuring they feel heard and valued, while continuing to make 91女神 a place we are proud to call home and be alumni of."
Akberet Boykin-Farr (鈥�93, 鈥�95, 鈥�02)
91女神 Trustee and Member of the Search Committee
鈥淚 am so excited for Dr. Feser to join 91女神. As a transformative leader, his vision reflects the Jesuit commitment to service and holistic education. Combining academic rigor with community-focused insight, Dr. Feser brings a profound understanding of higher education. Under his leadership, 91女神 is poised to enter an exciting new era guided by compassion, academic excellence and service to others.鈥�
Joseph Conran (鈥�67, 鈥�70)
91女神 Trustee and Chair of the Search Committee
鈥淒r. Feser is a visionary leader whose formidable experience and expertise align with 91女神鈥檚 current strengths and exciting trajectory. As a lifelong Billiken devoted to this great university, I have full confidence in his ability to lead 91女神 into its next era of growth and success.鈥�
Eric Engler
Chair of 91女神 Board of Trustees
"Dr. Feser鈥檚 leadership journey has been defined by a steadfast belief in the power of education to transform the lives of individuals and contribute to flourishing communities. With a deep commitment to Jesuit values and an impressive record of accomplishment, Dr. Feser is uniquely positioned to lead our mission-focused, student-centered, research-driven university to enhanced stature and even greater impact in its next chapter."
Thomas P. Greene, S.J.
Provincial Superior of the Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province
鈥淚 am deeply grateful to Dr. Feser for his willingness to serve in such an important role. His experience as a scholar and administrator makes him uniquely qualified to lead a place as complex as 91女神. But even more, I was heartened to hear of his desire to use education to engender hope in the young, his commitment to the university being leaven for the city, and his dedication to the University's Jesuit, Catholic identity."
Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
President of 91女神
鈥淏ecause of the contributions of countless 91女神 community members, the University is poised to reach new heights of distinction. Dr. Feser has the knowledge, experience, skill and values to serve as the next steward of 91女神鈥檚 noble mission 鈥� working for and with the campus and the region to create new possibilities for a thriving, hope-filled future.鈥�
Christine Rollins, J.D. (鈥�96)
President of the 91女神 Faculty Senate and Member of the Search Committee
鈥淚 am excited that Dr. Feser is joining the 91女神 community. His experience in managing R1 institutions, his financial acumen, and his accomplishments in budget stabilization and management will lead 91女神 forward in our journey as a Catholic, Jesuit University. As a servant leader and scholar, Dr. Feser is committed to 91女神鈥檚 continued regional, national, and international impact and growth for the greater good.鈥�
Michael Rozier, S.J. (鈥�03)
Chair of Health Management and Policy and Member of the Search Committee
鈥�91女神 is at a pivotal moment as we accelerate our research activity, deliver a new core curriculum for our undergraduate students, and consider how our unique collection of academic programs can best serve the world around us. Dr. Feser鈥檚 extensive leadership at complex institutions will serve us incredibly well as we navigate these important tasks. But even more, his conviction that our Jesuit, Catholic identity must be the foundation for all of this work will ensure 91女神 is leading the conversation for what Jesuit education for today鈥檚 world should be.鈥�
Victoria Villarreal (鈥�86, 鈥�88)
Vice Rector and Chief Financial Officer of 91女神-Madrid and Member of the Search Committee
鈥淒r. Feser鈥檚 extensive experience around strategic planning, research growth, student success, academic excellence and DEI positions him as a strong leader to continue to advance 91女神鈥檚 mission. His commitment to internationalization and fostering cross-cultural engagement clearly resonates with 91女神-Madrid鈥檚 multicultural student body. In addition, his proven success with global partnerships at his previous institutions, makes him a natural supporter of 91女神-Madrid鈥檚 growth, reinforcing the added value that our campus brings to the overall institution.鈥�
Jayathi Y. Murthy, Ph.D.
President of Oregon State University
"Ed is an extraordinarily effective and productive leader. He has worked tirelessly and with an unwavering commitment to academic and research excellence, advancing our efforts to increase student success and faculty excellence and raising the profile of the university. His determined and indomitable work on behalf of Oregon State will benefit faculty and students for decades to come."