A room on the second floor of Campion Student Center is walled in dark wood and carpeted with rich red and golden carpet. Matching chairs face a presentation screen. The room’s interior is circumvented with eye-level portraits of the former presidents of the university, all dressed in varying garb, but all looking quite similar ­­— older white men. The room is aptly named  Presidents Lounge, and it serves as a tangible reminder of the stagnant face of St. Joe’s former leadership.

We are grateful for the contributions of our former leaders. We understand that St. Joe’s would not be the same without its history in Jesuit society, shifting from Olde City Philadelphia to North Philly to finally Overbrook, Pennsylvania and Lower Merion, Pennsylvania. 

However, the student body has changed over the last 171 years. Leadership ought to reflect the citizens they serve and represent. 

Our newly acquired University City campus brought with it a population that is 66.65% female and 51.5% students of color.  The growth of St. Joe’s will have a significant impact on the previous demographics of the student body, necessitating a new dynamic in Regis Hall, ensuring that the university can serve its entrants on all levels: academic, personal and spiritual. 

The search committee was formally announced on May 26 at 2:40 p.m. by James M. Norris, Board of Trustees chair. In his message, he promised to “… seek a candidate who will continue to provide […] bold, strategic leadership …” bolstered by “… input from members of the broader University community …”  Should you have questions or someone you want to nominate with the position, you can email your message to [email protected]. 

The Hawk welcomes Letters to the Editor, typically no more than 300 words. They can be emailed to     [email protected].