Presidential Inauguration
Presidential Inauguration

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Send President McConnell a Message of Congratulations

The Saint Joseph University community celebrates the Inauguration of the University's 29th president, Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, on Sept. 8, 2023. Join us in leaving a message of congratulations and well wishes for our new president. Photos are also welcome!

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The Inauguration of
Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD
29th President
Saint Joseph's University

Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD
Saint Joseph's University student talking into a microphone at Day of Dialogue.
Saint Joseph's University student wearing a mask on campus in 2020.
Gallery for the launch of SOAR: capital campaign for Saint Joseph's University with a large gathering of people in a ballroom.
Dr. McConnell, and others at the closing ceremony for University of the Sciences
Mark C. Reed, EdD at Commencement
Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences main building.
Dr. McConnell, President of Saint Joseph's University at a podium in the Foley Center

June 2019:
Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, joins Saint Joseph’s University as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs.

February 2020:
Under the direction of Dr. McConnell, the University launches its first Day of Dialogue featuring events, lectures and workshops to increase diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

March 2020:
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. McConnell engineers the University’s pivot to hybrid learning. Saint Joseph’s is one of three Philadelphia universities to maintain an in-person presence during the first year of the pandemic.

May 2022:
The University launches a $300-million comprehensive campaign, SOAR, to fund multiple capital projects, increase access to education through financial aid and scholarships, and further academic and mission innovation.

June 2022:
Saint Joseph’s completes a historic merger agreement with the University of the Sciences, acquiring dozens of academic programs in health and science — the integration of which is spearheaded by Dr. McConnell.

August 2022:
Mark C. Reed, EdD, steps down as president of the University and Dr. McConnell is named interim president by the Board of Trustees.

January 2023:
Saint Joseph’s announces a merger agreement with the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, led by Dr. McConnell. The merger is expected to close in January 2024.

March 2023:
Dr. McConnell is unanimously elected the 29th and first female president of Saint Joseph’s University.

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About Dr. McConnell

President Cheryl A. McConnell leaning against a glass panel

Letter from the President

Dr. Cheryl A. McConnell reflects on the decisions that influenced her path to become Saint Joseph's University's president and the people who guided her along the way.

SJU President McConnell handing a diploma to a student at 2023 commencement

Saint Joseph's First Female President

In March 2023, Saint Joseph’s University’s Board of Trustees elected Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, the 29th and first female president in University history.

Aerial shot of campus rendering for campus projects

Campus Master Plan

Saint Joseph's University launches a decade-long campus transformation to enhance the student experience.

Regis Hall at Saint Joseph's University

Past Presidents

In its 172-year history, Saint Joseph's University has had an acclaimed set of presidents, each of whom has played a role in shaping the Jesuit University's past, present and future.