Presidential Search Begins

On Aug. 19, Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., announced his intention to step down as University President. His tenure will end at the end of the academic year on May 31, 2021.

The Board of Trustees has initiated a search for the 28th President of The University of Scranton. 

In his message to the University community, James M. Slattery '86, chair of the Board of Trustees, expressed appreciation for Father Pilarz's dedication to the University. 

"The Board of Trustees continues to be grateful to him for his devoted service and looks forward to all that will be accomplished in the coming year," he wrote. "At the same time, the Board has begun to set in motion the steps necessary to select our next president. As we do so, my fellow trustees and I are mindful that selecting the president is among our most important duties and responsibilities."

The Board has appointed a broadly representative search committee to manage the process to identify and recommend finalists for its ultimate consideration. The committee includes student, faculty, staff, alumni, administrator and trustee representation. The Board has secured the services of WittKieffer Executive Search, a nationally recognized firm that specializes in executive recruitment for universities and colleges.

In his message, Slattery laid out plans for the presidential search, including the appointment of Kathleen Sprows Cummings, Ph.D. '93, G'93 as chair of the search committee who wrote to the University community on Sept. 1 regarding the search. 

"This is not a moment of joy for us as a community, but it is undoubtedly a moment of hope—and a moment when we are called to do our best to find a worthy successor to Father Pilarz," she wrote. "As we prepare for a presidential transition, my fellow trustees and I are committed to overseeing a process that is as comprehensive, inclusive, and transparent as possible."

The Presidential Search Committee will use the presidential search website to provide information and updates to the University community throughout the search. Members of The University of Scranton community are invited to provide their thoughts on the presidential search by participating in a short, online survey. 

The search will begin with a series of virtual listening sessions for students, faculty and staff, which will take place between Sept. 8 and 11.