Who Should be the new St . John's President?

[JackofVirginia]

The next President of St.John's University will likely be a 50+ year old white priest without a distinguished academic background who will mirror Harrington's mediocrity.

i expect that the new President of St.John's will surround himself with a posse of backslappers who will talk to one another about the "good old days" (Ra-Ra-Rah!!! ) without interchange with the students.

Most members of the BOT have sent their own children elsewhere, and are well aware of the attributes of president's of top notch schools. Today, the ability to fundraise is among the most important job requirements. At Villanova, I spoke with Father Peter Donahue about a year after he took over for the outgoing Father Edmund Dobbins. Father Dobbins had done a tremendous job at improving the academic standing of an already very good school during his 18 year tenure - a transformational tenure. Father Peter is a much more gregarious type, who connects with students and alumni. He's also a competent administrator and passionate leader. During Father Peter's first year or so in his new position, he said he had spent about 1/2 the time travelling, meeting with alumni groups across the country and raising funds for their capital campaign.

So while the gene pool may be thinner within the Vincentian ranks, there is certainly nothing inherently wrong with having a Catholic University hiring a 50+ year old priest. It would seem to me to be desirable if a priest could be found that possesses the ability to lead the university with distinction for the next 15-20 years.

I'd share your desire that the next university president would more charismatic and present to large number of students, something that neither Harrington or Cahill did very much. In fact I've been told (by a Vincentian priest) that Harrington had little to do with other Vincentian priests living on campus and was in fact quite distant and cold towards them.

Distant and cold toward the Vincentians on campus? Of course, he wasn't around, he had to travel especially with his new wardrobe.

 

[Las Vegan]

Needs to be someone with a vision for improving the academic quality and reputation of the university. Someone with ideas who isnt afraid to undertake agressive moves, like adding an engineering school. That has to be the most important criteria. No more small minded, visionless leadership. Need someone who understands what SJU in nyc can become.

Agree with all of the above. I would further suggest phasing out the CPS and adding a school of nursing. As to qualities for a new president, hope someone who is personable, yet humble, fully engaged, competent, with integrity, and fully accountable, without a sense of entitlement. In short, everything missing for the last twenty years.

 

[simplyred]

Caveat: I don't know that much about St. Johns' programs...

I feel that a stronger emphasis should be put on Business and Finance programs. (This coming form a Socialist).
Being in NYC, with the Manhattan Campus being close to Wall Street and at the heart of commerce, it would be a great draw. We should strive to be on par with Fordham and attract students who just miss getting into NYU and Columbia.

 

[redmannorth]

The initial focus of the next president should be a five year plan to reduce the cost of tuition while simultaneously increasing the academic profile of the incoming student class. Not at all an impossible task.

 

[fuchsia]

Needs to be someone with a vision for improving the academic quality and reputation of the university. Someone with ideas who isnt afraid to undertake agressive moves, like adding an engineering school. That has to be the most important criteria. No more small minded, visionless leadership. Need someone who understands what SJU in nyc can become.

Agree with all of the above. I would further suggest phasing out the CPS and adding a school of nursing. As to qualities for a new president, hope someone who is personable, yet humble, fully engaged, competent, with integrity, and fully accountable, without a sense of entitlement. In short, everything missing for the last twenty years.

Nursing is okay but the aging of baby boomers has left the United States with a persistent deficit in the number of trained occupational and physical therapy personnel; i.e. the two professions mostly directly linked to keeping the aged and partially disabled, independent and away from institutional care, saving the healthcare system a whole lot of money which eventually means us taxpayers. Programs to develop occupational and physical therapists in New York City have actually closed in recent years and perhaps SJU could fill the gap with a comprehensive Allied Health Sciences program.

 

[MCNPA]

Needs to be someone with a vision for improving the academic quality and reputation of the university. Someone with ideas who isnt afraid to undertake agressive moves, like adding an engineering school. That has to be the most important criteria. No more small minded, visionless leadership. Need someone who understands what SJU in nyc can become.

Agree with all of the above. I would further suggest phasing out the CPS and adding a school of nursing. As to qualities for a new president, hope someone who is personable, yet humble, fully engaged, competent, with integrity, and fully accountable, without a sense of entitlement. In short, everything missing for the last twenty years.

Nursing is okay but the aging of baby boomers has left the United States with a persistent deficit in the number of trained occupational and physical therapy personnel; i.e. the two professions mostly directly linked to keeping the aged and partially disabled, independent and away from institutional care, saving the healthcare system a whole lot of money which eventually means us taxpayers. Programs to develop occupational and physical therapists in New York City have actually closed in recent years and perhaps SJU could fill the gap with a comprehensive Allied Health Sciences program.

Certainly could help, but it won't keep the aged and disabled out of hospitals. That is a complex beast. SJU IMO should focus on honing their programs toward the future and what America will require moving forward. What we need most is forward thinking schools, and ones that develop programs and plans that are adapted to what our society requires most. We lack trades in America. We have gone past getting people useful degrees. If SJU wants to keep to their roots, cost isn't the main issue, it is cost to benefit ratio of the education they are providing. Copy success and you will have your answer. There a schools out there that certainly deliver the goods in terms of providing an education that prepares students for success.

P.S. speaking of Physical Therapy, if anybody needs Physical Therapy Services in Westchester, my cousin owns a P.T. Practice out of New Rochelle which is fantastic and I trust implicitly. Pm me if anybody needs a P.T. in Westchester...

 

[otis]

The next President of St.John's University will likely be a 50+ year old white priest without a distinguished academic background who will mirror Harrington's mediocrity.

i expect that the new President of St.John's will surround himself with a posse of backslappers who will talk to one another about the "good old days" (Ra-Ra-Rah!!! ) without interchange with the students.

I stand by my prediction that the new president is a non-distinguishing individual.

I have seen no evidence that St.John's is soliciting candidates from outside (i.e. soliciting of candidates in The Chronicle of Higher Education, or the like). Think along the lines of someone that is or has been the Vice President from DePaul, etc.

 

[jc1305us]

New president will be one of the club. We all know that. How Harrington was allowed to retire, and not be indicted is still a mystery to me. Absolute joke. He was accountable to no one, lived to a different standard, and was a absolute hypocrite and basically sold bogus degrees to chi coms looking for a nice piece of paper to frame in their offices. What a joke. They need to clean house, the stink of this scandal is still strong. If the BOT didn't know anything they are incompetent at best. If they knew, they are complicit and should be forced to resign. Either way, a good flush is what's needed!!

 

[19854ever]

Fr Edward Udovic is the vp at DePaul see link below Otis is he being linked as the next President of SJUhttp://www.depaul.edu/about/administration/Pages/udovic.aspx

 

[westchesterjoe]

Fr. Udovic has a impressive resume, as a Vincentian. He would be a different choice, not a native NYER, not a Alum, etc.

Maybe, the house cleaner and Academician St John's needs?

 

[otis]

The necessity pf being from New York is a bit exaggerated.

Recall the many posters that believed that the men's basketball coach at St. John's had the be a "New York guy" (their term) yet non New Yorker Lavin has done a pretty good job.

I nominate The Honorable JerseyShoreJohnny as the next president of St.John's University (New York).

 

[paultzman]

“@QSTJHoops: Former president of Niagara U, Rev. Joseph Lavesque, has been appointed @StJohnsU's interim president effective August 1, per school email.”

 

[section10]

To: University Community
From: Peter P. D'Angelo, Chairman, Board of Trustees
Re: Message from the Board of Trustees
Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2013


On behalf of the St. John's University Board of Trustees, I'm pleased to inform you that Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., former president of Niagara University, has been elected interim president of St. John's, effective August 1, 2013.

As some of you may know, Fr. Levesque has a long-standing relationship with St. John's, including as a former Chair of the Board of Trustees, as well as an extensive background in Vincentian leadership and higher education. I have taken the liberty of including Fr. Levesque's detailed background, which shows the breadth of his experience.

We are confident of a seamless transition as Fr. Harrington steps down as president at the end of this month, and know that, over the coming academic year, Fr. Levesque will continue to build on his outstanding record of accomplishment. To permanently fill the position of president, we will be conducting a national search over the next several months.

Please join me in thanking Fr. Harrington for all he has done to make St. John's a University for the 21st century, and in extending a warm welcome to Fr. Levesque.

Finally, the Board is in the process of completing its internal investigation and will update the University community concerning that matter later this summer.

 

[otis]

The next President of St.John's University will likely be a 50+ year old white priest without a distinguished academic background who will mirror Harrington's mediocrity.

i expect that the new President of St.John's will surround himself with a posse of backslappers who will talk to one another about the "good old days" (Ra-Ra-Rah!!! ) without interchange with the students.

Not surprising that one like Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., former president of Niagara University has been selected to guide St. John's University.

Niagara has distinguished itself in the US News Ranking with the lofty ranking of #70 in Regional University in the North behind heavyweights Iona College (#68), Wheelock College (# 61), St. Francis PA (#61), Gannon University (also @#61) and Marywood University (#55).

Niagara, like St.john's has a high attrition rate among its students. Only 67% of its students graduate within 6 years from enrolling. The average Niagara grad graduates with more than $32K in school loans. Niagara accepts nearly 70% of its applicants. The range of SAT scores for those accepted range from 930 to 1150. Niagara University is reported to have an endowment of $77.5M.

What is surprising is that Rev. Levesque has been appointed only as interim president and not as a permanent replacement.

Lets hope that Rev. Joseph L. Levesque proves to be a "home run" as St. john's interim president.

 

[beast of the east]

Looks like Rev. Levesque is 74, and is a solid interim choice, as he has just retired from Niagara, and has been involved with St. Johns. Without question he will not be a consideration for the permanent position, so they avoid the antipathy that could result if a competent interim is not hired as the permanent president.

The interim president will very likely not innovate at all, but just carry the torch for a year or until a suitable candidate is hired.

 

[Class of 72]

The next President of St.John's University will likely be a 50+ year old white priest without a distinguished academic background who will mirror Harrington's mediocrity.

i expect that the new President of St.John's will surround himself with a posse of backslappers who will talk to one another about the "good old days" (Ra-Ra-Rah!!! ) without interchange with the students.

Not surprising that one like Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., former president of Niagara University has been selected to guide St. John's University.

Niagara has distinguished itself in the US News Ranking with the lofty ranking of #70 in Regional University in the North behind heavyweights Iona College (#68), Wheelock College (# 61), St. Francis PA (#61), Gannon University (also @#61) and Marywood University (#55).

Niagara, like St.john's has a high attrition rate among its students. Only 67% of its students graduate within 6 years from enrolling. The average Niagara grad graduates with more than $32K in school loans. Niagara accepts nearly 70% of its applicants. The range of SAT scores for those accepted range from 930 to 1150. Niagara University is reported to have an endowment of $77.5M.

What is surprising is that Rev. Levesque has been appointed only as interim president and not as a permanent replacement.

Lets hope that Rev. Joseph L. Levesque proves to be a "home run" as St. john's interim president.

I wouldn't worry as the next president likely will not be a Vincentian.

 

[Class of 72]

The next President of St.John's University will likely be a 50+ year old white priest without a distinguished academic background who will mirror Harrington's mediocrity.

i expect that the new President of St.John's will surround himself with a posse of backslappers who will talk to one another about the "good old days" (Ra-Ra-Rah!!! ) without interchange with the students.

Not surprising that one like Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., former president of Niagara University has been selected to guide St. John's University.

Niagara has distinguished itself in the US News Ranking with the lofty ranking of #70 in Regional University in the North behind heavyweights Iona College (#68), Wheelock College (# 61), St. Francis PA (#61), Gannon University (also @#61) and Marywood University (#55).

Niagara, like St.john's has a high attrition rate among its students. Only 67% of its students graduate within 6 years from enrolling. The average Niagara grad graduates with more than $32K in school loans. Niagara accepts nearly 70% of its applicants. The range of SAT scores for those accepted range from 930 to 1150. Niagara University is reported to have an endowment of $77.5M.

What is surprising is that Rev. Levesque has been appointed only as interim president and not as a permanent replacement.

Lets hope that Rev. Joseph L. Levesque proves to be a "home run" as St. john's interim president.

 

[Moose]

Otis is critical of the St. John's President.

In other news the sky is blue.

 

[T6K0E6]

The next President of St.John's University will likely be a 50+ year old white priest without a distinguished academic background who will mirror Harrington's mediocrity.

i expect that the new President of St.John's will surround himself with a posse of backslappers who will talk to one another about the "good old days" (Ra-Ra-Rah!!! ) without interchange with the students.

Not surprising that one like Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., former president of Niagara University has been selected to guide St. John's University.

Niagara has distinguished itself in the US News Ranking with the lofty ranking of #70 in Regional University in the North behind heavyweights Iona College (#68), Wheelock College (# 61), St. Francis PA (#61), Gannon University (also @#61) and Marywood University (#55).

Niagara, like St.john's has a high attrition rate among its students. Only 67% of its students graduate within 6 years from enrolling. The average Niagara grad graduates with more than $32K in school loans. Niagara accepts nearly 70% of its applicants. The range of SAT scores for those accepted range from 930 to 1150. Niagara University is reported to have an endowment of $77.5M.

What is surprising is that Rev. Levesque has been appointed only as interim president and not as a permanent replacement.

Lets hope that Rev. Joseph L. Levesque proves to be a "home run" as St. john's interim president.

I wouldn't worry as the next president likely will not be a Vincentian.

I have heard the same, rumor is the University bi-laws are trying to be changed so that the President of the University does not have to be the Vincentian; Only the highest ranking educational position needs to be occupied by the Vincentian. This will open up the options from which to select, and Jesuits have many good candidates.

 

[mjmaherjr]

Looks like Rev. Levesque is 74, and is a solid interim choice, as he has just retired from Niagara, and has been involved with St. Johns. Without question he will not be a consideration for the permanent position, so they avoid the antipathy that could result if a competent interim is not hired as the permanent president.

The interim president will very likely not innovate at all, but just carry the torch for a year or until a suitable candidate is hired.

That's what people said about the last pope