Presidential Search Process
Search Timeline
Following the decision by Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J., to step down after a decade serving as the 28th president as of Dec. 31, 2024, the USF Board of Trustees initiated the search for his successor. This process involved substantial input from the university community to ensure a thoughtful and inclusive approach to selecting the next president.
The Presidential Search Committee (PSC) prioritized transparency by engaging the USF community throughout the search. A Search Advisory Committee (SAC) was established to facilitate feedback and provide input to the PSC. All community members had opportunities to contribute their thoughts on the qualities and attributes needed in the new president.
In an update on the search on Feb. 24, 2025, the PSC co-chairs wrote that they are greatly encouraged by and grateful for the widespread interest in the university and its future. The talent, experience, and enthusiasm they saw in the pool of candidates were remarkable, and they were excited to embark upon the search’s next steps alongside the USF community.
Presidential Leadership Profile
As chief executive officer, the president leads the university, embodies its mission, and serves as the university’s chief advocate and fundraiser. The next president will be a critical thought leader for issues related to the university, its mission, and the broader higher education landscape and will be willing to make bold choices and tough decisions to sustain the long-term health and financial stability of the university.
Learn more about USF, the role of the president, key opportunities and challenges, desired qualifications and characteristics, compensation, and contact information.
A Decade of Milestones
Fr Fitzgerald’s 10-year tenure featured strides across all areas at the university. From 2014 to 2024, USF upgraded facilities and systems, launched new programs, increased fundraising, completed a community-driven 5-year strategic plan, and navigated a global pandemic. Here are some of the decade's accomplishments.
Academic Excellence
- Launch of Black Achievement Success and Engagement (BASE)
- Opening of the Engineering program and the Innovation Hive
- ABA reaccreditation for the School of Law
Enhanced Facilities
- Renovation of Sobrato Center
- Construction of Lone Mountain East residence hall and Koret Lodge
- Purchase of Star Route Farms, a certified organic farm in Bolinas, California
Increased Fundraising
- 70% growth in endowment
- $312 million raised in the Changing the World from Here campaign
- Increase in alumni engagement and donor retention through events such as the Silk Speaker Series
Student Success
- Transition to remote learning during COVID
- Complete upgrade of USF academic and administrative technology systems, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure
- High rankings on College Scorecard, US News & World Report
Committees
Presidential Search Committee
The Presidential Search Committee was composed of current and former trustees and recommended a finalist to the Board of Trustees for its consideration.
Co-Chairs
John F. Nicolai
Jeff Silk
Membership
Joseph Allanson
Jack Boland
Mary M. Del Santo
Rev. Michael Engh, S.J.
Judy C. Miner
Lindbergh Porter
Karen Rose
Nora Wu
Advisor
Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J.
Search Advisory Committee
The Search Advisory Committee membership includes representatives from faculty, librarians, staff, the Jesuit community, students, and alumni. This committee had a vital role in the search process and was responsible for facilitating feedback sessions, synthesizing feedback from all stakeholder groups, and communicating input to the Presidential Search Committee.
Co-Chairs
Mary Del Santo
Vice Chair, Board of Trustees
Eileen Fung
Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost
Membership
- Xornam S. Apedoe
Associate Professor, School of Education - Carlee Balzaretti
Associate Professor, School of Nursing and Health Professions - Michael Hammond
Adjunct Professor, College of Arts and Sciences; PTFA President - Jonathan Hunt
Professor, College of Arts and Sciences - Alice Kaswan
Professor, School of Law - Sabrina Kwist
Associate Vice Provost for Antiracism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Brandi Lawless
Professor, College of Arts and Sciences; USFFA President - Patrick J. Lee, S.J.
Rector, Jesuit Community - Francesca MacCormack
Senior Director, Donor Services and Stewardship - Ana De Castro Maquiz
Graduate Student Senate Representative - Carolina Martinez
Quality Assurance Manager, ITS; Staff Council President - Hannah Mora
President, USF Alumni Board - Eva Monroe
Trustee Emerita - Angélica Quiñónez
Director, University Ministry - Claire Sharifi
Librarian, Gleeson Library - Edgar Silva
Undergraduate Student Representative, University Budget Advisory Council - Neil Walshe
Associate Professor, School of Management