Dear Members of the USF Community,
We write to you today to share that Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J., has informed the USF Board of Trustees that after 10 years of service and thoughtful discernment, he has made the decision to resign as president of the University of San Francisco. The board honored this decision and accepted his resignation with gratitude for his significant contributions to advancing USF’s vision, mission, and values.
Details on timing for this leadership transition are forthcoming.
The board joins the entire community in expressing gratitude for Fr. Fitzgerald’s decade-long tenure as president. With his leadership, USF completed its largest-ever comprehensive campaign that surpassed its goal to raise $312 million, expanded the campus footprint and overhauled facilities, developed a strategic plan for the university’s future, and strengthened its mission to change the world from here.
Fr. Fitzgerald has now decided that the time is right for him to discern his next professional opportunities.
As Fr. Fitzgerald shared with us, “It has been an honor and privilege to serve as USF’s 28th president. I am very proud of all that we — faculty, librarians, staff, administrators, students, and alumni — have accomplished together. I am confident that USF has the people and the vision to enliven its distinctive mission, a mission that is perhaps more critical now than ever before. I am committed to doing everything possible to ensure a seamless transition into a new chapter of leadership for the university’s future.”
We look forward to coming together as a community to express our gratitude to Fr. Fitzgerald and will share details when they are available.
Planning for USF’s Future
Fr. Fitzgerald, the USF Board of Trustees, and the USF Cabinet are implementing a transition plan that ensures continued progress in the work and mission of the university.
A search for the 29th president of the University of San Francisco will begin immediately. Details on the process, including the search committee membership and opportunities for community engagement, will be shared as soon as plans and timing are finalized.
As Fr. Fitzgerald works to complete the important initiatives he has undertaken and support the transition to a new president, he has enacted cabinet-level changes, effective immediately, to best meet the needs of the university — changes that Fr. Fitzgerald referenced during his convocation address last month. Reporting to Fr. Fitzgerald, cabinet members will serve as a transition team, assuming responsibilities for day-to-day university operations and developing strategic plans in these challenging times.
Donna Davis, who has so capably served USF as general counsel and a member of cabinet for more than three decades, has agreed to serve Fr. Fitzgerald as general counsel and acting senior vice president, effective immediately. Donna will be responsible for implementing university-wide initiatives to drive enrollment growth, financial stability, academic excellence, and student success. She will work closely with Fr. Fitzgerald and all cabinet members to ensure that academic, administrative, and financial functions align with the institution’s goals. As general counsel and acting SVP, she will collaborate across divisions to carry out the president’s plans to remedy shortfalls and strengthen our financial position in support of academic and student success at USF.
Julie Orio, who has served as vice president of student life since 2016, has assumed the role of vice president of operations. She will focus on select administrative and operational projects to improve the work of the university, maximize efficiency and effectiveness, and ensure that USF will be in a position to thrive in the years and decades ahead. Occupancy and Koret will move from Student Life to the VP Operations portfolio in order to leverage both areas to expand recruitment and retention opportunities. Julie will collaborate closely with Vice President Charlie Cross on additional operational changes and initiatives to maximize efficiency and outcomes.
Shannon Gary, associate vice president and dean of students since 2017, has accepted the role of vice president of student life. During his time at USF, Shannon has demonstrated steadfast care and commitment to student success and well-being, qualities that we look forward to him bringing to this cabinet-level position.
Lester Deanes, assistant vice president of student engagement since 2017, has been named associate vice president of student life and dean of students. Lester is known for the care, creativity, and strong relationships he brings to his work to advance cura personalis — ensuring that our students thrive in all aspects of their USF experience.
These new roles are effective immediately.
Fr. Fitzgerald and the board believe these leadership changes will capitalize on the university’s strengths and bolster areas with potential for growth. With a committed Board of Trustees, a skilled leadership team, and dedicated faculty, librarians, and staff, we are confident that the university will navigate current trends that are challenging USF and higher education generally. At the core of this transition plan is an unwavering commitment to the USF mission, including the exceptional student experience that is at the heart of a USF education.
On a personal note, it is humbling for us to have the opportunity to serve such a caring, committed community of changemakers. Thank you for all you do for USF and for each other. We will continue to provide updates as they are available.
Sincerely,
Jack Boland
Chair, USF Board of Trustees
Mary Del Santo
Vice Chair, USF Board of Trustees