Praise for SLU's President-elect
Excitement and confidence abound about the selection of Saint Louis University’s next president, Edward J. Feser, Ph.D.
Below, faculty, staff, students, trustees, Jesuits and other leaders share their thoughts on Dr. Feser’s visionary leadership, commitment to Jesuit values, and proven ability to drive growth and innovation. These testimonials highlight the shared optimism among those who have gotten to know SLU's next leader, emphasizing their belief in Dr. Feser’s ability to guide the University into its next chapter.
Reueline Arulanandam
President of the SLU Student Government Association and Member of the Search Committee
"I am so thrilled to welcome Dr. Feser to Saint Louis University as our next president! His dedication to innovative leadership will both inspire and energize our community. With a strong background in public service, city planning, and education, he brings a unique understanding of the connection between SLU and the city of St. Louis, ensuring care and growth for both seamlessly. The approachability and empathy he carries as a leader will no doubt foster meaningful relationships with students, ensuring they feel heard and valued, while continuing to make SLU a place we are proud to call home and be alumni of."
Akberet Boykin-Farr (’93, ’95, ’02)
SLU Trustee and Member of the Search Committee
“I am so excited for Dr. Feser to join Saint Louis University. As a transformative leader, his vision reflects the Jesuit commitment to service and holistic education. Combining academic rigor with community-focused insight, Dr. Feser brings a profound understanding of higher education. Under his leadership, Saint Louis University is poised to enter an exciting new era guided by compassion, academic excellence and service to others.”
Joseph Conran (’67, ’70)
SLU Trustee and Chair of the Search Committee
“Dr. Feser is a visionary leader whose formidable experience and expertise align with Saint Louis University’s current strengths and exciting trajectory. As a lifelong Billiken devoted to this great university, I have full confidence in his ability to lead SLU into its next era of growth and success.”
Eric Engler
Chair of Saint Louis University Board of Trustees
"Dr. Feser’s leadership journey has been defined by a steadfast belief in the power of education to transform the lives of individuals and contribute to flourishing communities. With a deep commitment to Jesuit values and an impressive record of accomplishment, Dr. Feser is uniquely positioned to lead our mission-focused, student-centered, research-driven university to enhanced stature and even greater impact in its next chapter."
Thomas P. Greene, S.J.
Provincial Superior of the Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province
“I am deeply grateful to Dr. Feser for his willingness to serve in such an important role. His experience as a scholar and administrator makes him uniquely qualified to lead a place as complex as SLU. But even more, I was heartened to hear of his desire to use education to engender hope in the young, his commitment to the university being leaven for the city, and his dedication to the University's Jesuit, Catholic identity."
Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
President of Saint Louis University
“Because of the contributions of countless SLU community members, the University is poised to reach new heights of distinction. Dr. Feser has the knowledge, experience, skill and values to serve as the next steward of Saint Louis University’s noble mission — working for and with the campus and the region to create new possibilities for a thriving, hope-filled future.”
Christine Rollins, J.D. (’96)
President of the SLU Faculty Senate and Member of the Search Committee
“I am excited that Dr. Feser is joining the SLU community. His experience in managing R1 institutions, his financial acumen, and his accomplishments in budget stabilization and management will lead SLU forward in our journey as a Catholic, Jesuit University. As a servant leader and scholar, Dr. Feser is committed to SLU’s continued regional, national, and international impact and growth for the greater good.”
Michael Rozier, S.J. (’03)
Chair of Health Management and Policy and Member of the Search Committee
“Saint Louis University is at a pivotal moment as we accelerate our research activity, deliver a new core curriculum for our undergraduate students, and consider how our unique collection of academic programs can best serve the world around us. Dr. Feser’s extensive leadership at complex institutions will serve us incredibly well as we navigate these important tasks. But even more, his conviction that our Jesuit, Catholic identity must be the foundation for all of this work will ensure SLU is leading the conversation for what Jesuit education for today’s world should be.”
Victoria Villarreal (’86, ’88)
Vice Rector and Chief Financial Officer of SLU-Madrid and Member of the Search Committee
“Dr. Feser’s extensive experience around strategic planning, research growth, student success, academic excellence and DEI positions him as a strong leader to continue to advance SLU’s mission. His commitment to internationalization and fostering cross-cultural engagement clearly resonates with SLU-Madrid’s multicultural student body. In addition, his proven success with global partnerships at his previous institutions, makes him a natural supporter of SLU-Madrid’s growth, reinforcing the added value that our campus brings to the overall institution.”
Jayathi Y. Murthy, Ph.D.
President of Oregon State University
"Ed is an extraordinarily effective and productive leader. He has worked tirelessly and with an unwavering commitment to academic and research excellence, advancing our efforts to increase student success and faculty excellence and raising the profile of the university. His determined and indomitable work on behalf of Oregon State will benefit faculty and students for decades to come."