Dr. Laurie M. Joyner Appointed 20th President of Saint Xavier University
With a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees, Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., has been appointed the 20th president of Saint Xavier University and will begin her presidency on January 1, 2017. Dr. Joyner brings extensive leadership experience to the University, having served as president of Wittenberg University and in multiple vice presidential and decanal roles at Rollins College. Prior to Rollins, Dr. Joyner served on the faculty and held administrative positions of increasing responsibility at Loyola University New Orleans. She holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Loyola University, and master's and doctoral degrees in sociology from Tulane University.
President-elect Joyner's appointment follows a search that was initiated upon President Christine Wiseman's announcement of her intent to retire after a long and distinguished career and builds upon her efforts to generate long-term sustainability for Saint Xavier University. The presidential search committee was comprised of a diverse group of faculty, staff, and trustees, many of whom were university alumnae.
"I want to thank members of the committee as well as all of the students, faculty, staff and administrators who participated in the search process. Feedback from the full range of constituents was carefully considered in the search committee deliberations that culminated in the unanimous recommendation of Dr. Joyner to the Board of Trustees for the presidency of Saint Xavier University," said Timothy Trahey, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
"Throughout the search process, Dr. Joyner emerged as a mission-driven educator and accomplished university administrator who is passionately committed to institutional success. Her sustained record of accomplishment is well-aligned with the strategic needs and priorities of the University moving forward," said John Costello, Past Chairman of the Board and Member of the Presidential Search Committee.
"I am deeply honored to serve as the next president of Saint Xavier University," said Dr. Joyner. I am looking forward to working with such an extraordinary learning community to build upon the university's Mercy heritage and impressive 170-year history of providing high quality, person-centered education in Chicago.'
"As we look to the future, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary dedication of President Wiseman who has served the University for nearly seven years, bringing genuine concern for student success to the forefront of our institutions efforts," said Timothy Trahey, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.