University Announces Cabinet Leadership Reorganization
As part of a leadership reorganization announced Wednesday, Sept. 2, Robert W. Davis Jr. ’03, Ed.D., will serve The University of Scranton as Executive Vice President, effective Sept. 4. Dr. Davis is a triple alumnus of Scranton who also holds a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Moving forward, the Associate Vice President for the Office of Institutional Compliance and Title IX, the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and the Vice President for Human Resources will report to Dr. Davis, who will continue to lead Advancement and serve as executive leader for Athletics.University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., announced an administrative reorganization on Wednesday, Sept. 2, designed to support the University’s strategic priorities and position the institution for continued success.
As part of the reorganization, Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D., ’03 G'10 G'13, will be appointed Executive Vice President, effective Sept. 4. In Dr. Davis’ new role, the following divisional leaders will report to him: Elizabeth M. Garcia, Esq., Associate Vice President for the Office of Institutional Compliance and Title IX; Stephen Hietsch, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration; and Patricia L. Tetreault ’93 G'00, Vice President for Human Resources. They will remain members of the President’s Cabinet. Dr. Davis, who has served since 2022 as Vice President for Advancement, will continue to lead Advancement and serve as the Athletics Direct Report.
“Over the past two decades, Bobby has brought dedication, imagination and a very impressive work ethic to every role in which he has served,” Fr. Marina said in a letter to the University community. “His experience leading our Student Life, Athletics and Advancement teams and serving as Chief of Staff for three presidents has given him a highly comprehensive understanding of the University. Along the way, he worked hard to improve his knowledge of higher education, earning a Doctor of Education Degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016.”
The following members of the President’s Cabinet will continue to report directly to Fr. Marina: Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., Vice President for Mission and Ministry; Robert B. Farrell, J.D., Ed.D., General Counsel; Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students; Gerald C. Zaboski ’87 G’95, Senior Vice President for the Office of the President; WeiDong Zhu, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Shannon Zottola, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing.
“Making this change will allow me to focus even more time on ensuring the success of our Strategic Plan and Strategic Enrollment Management Plan,” Fr. Marina said. “It will free me up for more fundraising and for building community, both internally and externally.”
Having earned bachelor’s, master’s and MBA degrees from The University of Scranton, Dr. Davis brings more than 20 years of experience in student life, athletics, advancement and executive administration, along with a deep commitment to the University’s Catholic and Jesuit mission. As Vice President for Advancement, he provided overall leadership for “A Fire That Kindles Other Fires Campaign to Advance Mission, Access and Excellence,” the largest capital campaign in University history, which exceeded its goal by a wide margin and raised $155.7 million.
The new structure reflects the University’s commitment to advancing the goals of Strategic Plan 2030, announced earlier this year.