State of Higher Education, SJU’s Strong Value Proposition Lead President’s Annual Convocation Address

The pace of technological and societal change, along with generational trends and expectations of today’s educational experience, were the backdrop of the University Convocation last Wednesday in Cardinal Foley Center. For the faculty and staff gathered, University President Mark C. Reed, Ed.D., presented a state of higher education and a vision for how Saint Joseph’s will remain strong and relevant for decades to come.

While Dr. Reed shared the realities and challenges of academia today— increasing public skepticism, closings, financial pressures and heated competition for students – he led with a resounding optimism about Saint Joseph’s current market position.

“I would argue for institutions like us — Jesuit universities with strong and clear liberal arts cores, institutions that are embracing the reality of change and willing to make necessary adjustments, institutions that keep their eye to the future — there’s more opportunity than challenge,” he said.

Some such opportunities, Reed explained, arise from understanding the research on the future job market and attitudes of Gen Z.

“Since most of the jobs of the future do not yet exist and artificial intelligence is already being used in many workplaces, employers want and need adaptable talent with the hard skills, yes, but more importantly, the soft skills and emotional intelligence that only humans possess,” Reed said. “It’s a reasonable request.”

Couple this with Gen Z’s desire to balance an outcomes-focused mindset with the pursuit of happiness, and the kind of education that Saint Joseph’s offers is a great fit, Reed argued.

“Rooted in arts and science, the rational and the emotional, and the theoretical and practical, our Jesuit approach prepares students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and innovators,” he said. “We give students skills that will not only prime them to compete in the workforce today, but will also give them the tools to respond to a future that resists predictions with the confidence to build a life that is fulfilling … with, yes, happiness.”

Dr. Reed identified the University’s depth and breadth of academic programming and its strategic plan as key drivers for sustained success. Citing the radical approach of Jesuit founder St. Ignatius, Dr. Reed urged the University to stay true to its values and heritage while continuing to meet and adjust to modern needs.

“Many institutions of higher education are focusing — either by force or choice — on a short-term view, based on immediate gain or impending crisis,” he said. “Surely, we all face immediate issues and challenges, but ultimately this is not how we’re making decisions at St. Joe’s, and I cannot underscore enough how critical and vital this is for us in a highly competitive regional and national landscape.

“The ability to be thoughtful and forward-thinking is a privilege,” he added. “In turn, we must demand of ourselves increased speed, efficiency of decision-making and operations, and clear commitment to doing the best by our students.”

Dr. Reed praised the entire community for helping to achieve a 10 percentage point decrease in the admit rate over five years and a recent No. 10 ranking from U.S. News and World Report.

“Of particular note is that our peer assessment score, one of the most difficult indicators to move, also improved,” Reed said. “This is a credit to the work that each and every one of you does day in and day out.”

Reporting on financial indicators, Reed announced that over five years, the endowment has grown by an impressive 45 percent, and now stands at $305M. He also pointed to SJU’s recent A- rating from Standard & Poor’s, noting the rigor of rating agencies and praising the consistently high scores we earn.

Reed announced first wave projects for the Campus Master Plan that include the pedestrian underpass; comprehensive renovations and modernization of the recreation and fitness center in O’Pake; expansion of Merion Hall to accommodate the Kinney Center’s current and future programs and enable Connelly Hall to be repurposed for other academic space needs and uses; two parking garages to make campus more accessible and walkable; residence halls to replace dated halls; a new and modern student and campus center; and comprehensive renovations to the athletic center space for modern practice facilities, as well as strength, conditioning and sports performance resources.

“The list of needs is daunting, but incredibly exciting.” Reed expressed. “As I have said before much of our master plan is aimed at providing the best possible educational experience for our students … meeting their evolving needs and creating an unmatched living and learning experience.”

The University’s next comprehensive campaign, now in a silent phase, will be the most ambitious in institutional history, Reed shared, calling for colleagues to lend a hand in this important effort.

Before introducing new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Cheryl McConnell, Ph.D., Reed listed a number of academic accolades, including the successful opening of the School of Health Studies and Education, a new major in art history and a fully online master’s in cybersecurity, five-year master’s options for computer science majors and artificial intelligence concentration, along with a sales certificate for a number of business majors and a new Bloomberg certification for finance majors.

Dr. McConnell thanked the campus community for the warm welcome she’s received since her arrival in the summer and shared her first impressions of a University grounded by mission and led by a clear strategic plan. Running through brief introductions of a few new faculty and new students, McConnell underscored the quality of the student body and the professionalism of the faculty and staff.

“I’m both confident and proud to be at an institution where we all work together to achieve our essential mission,” McConnell said. “It is that partnership that enables us to help each student reach their full potential, maximize their ability to make a positive difference in the world and find personal fulfillment. The world today needs more Saint Joseph’s University graduates.”

Convocation was capped with a preview of the University’s updated brand platform and strategy, set to launch in external markets in 2020. Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Marie Williams reviewed highlights of the extensive market research that informed the new brand, which includes an updated look and feel, new creative and new storytelling. Williams also previewed the University’s new website, which will roll out with phase one of redesign in early October.

“This is not marketing and communications’ brand. It’s not admissions’ brand. This is your brand. This is our brand,” Williams stated before inviting attendees to be brand ambassadors, share their stories and look for ways to involved.

In closing, Reed welcomed the 127 new employees hired since June and rallied faculty and staff to remain focused on students.

“Everything we do at Saint Joseph’s is in service of our students and ensuring that they have a transformative experience — intellectually, culturally, spiritually, physically, and ethically,” he said. “This is the commitment we’ve been fulfilling for more than 160 years … almost 175.”