Message to University Community from Lawrence R. Lynch, chair of the Board of Trustees
Dear Members of the University Community,
Earlier today, Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., announced his decision to step down as President of The University of Scranton at the conclusion of the 2016-17 academic year on June 1, 2017. The Board accepted his resignation with gratitude for his many accomplishments and devoted service at a special meeting on August 17.
Over the past five years of his presidency, The University of Scranton continued to emerge as one of the nation’s premier universities. We enjoyed growing national recognition at the undergraduate and graduate level and record-breaking applications. Academic programs expanded, including new and innovative five-year bachelor’s and master’s programs, the Doctor of Nursing Practice, and programs with regional health partners. The University’s campus transformed through the renovation of the Madison School into an early childhood learning center and graduate housing, acquisition and renovation of Louis Stanley Brown Hall, development of a Veterans Resource Center, completion of the Loyola Science Center, and the construction of Leahy Hall.
Our students excelled in earning prestigious fellowships and scholarships including our first George Mitchell Scholarship and a remarkable 21 Fulbright awards. They completed nearly 900,000 hours of service in our region and beyond, and earned 11 conference titles and 16 NCAA tournament appearances in intercollegiate athletics. Our alumni and friends supported the University generously as volunteers and through philanthropy, including gifts to aid the construction of Leahy Hall, create endowed scholarships and enhance academic programs.
Out of concern for the poor and marginalized, Father Quinn continued the emphasis on community and service that began during his Inauguration week. He championed the University’s efforts to encourage a living wage in Northeastern Pennsylvania and to support refugees internationally and regionally. He also strongly advocated for expanded community-based learning and living-learning communities. A passionate advocate for Jesuit education who has written nationally on the topic, he spearheaded the creation of The Jesuit Center to help faculty and staff live out our mission as a Catholic and Jesuit institution more fully and with deeper understanding.
Finally, the University honored its past through our 125th anniversary celebration and looked to its future through the Comprehensive Resource Review and an inspiring Strategic Plan that is uniquely focused on the student experience. As Father Quinn moves forward into the final year of his presidency, the Board strongly encourages the entire campus community to continue to make progress on the important goals and aspirations of the Strategic Plan.
In the coming weeks, the Board will share information about the process to identify a successor to Father Quinn. As we begin, we want to assure the campus community of our intention to seek your input on the expectations for our next president and to make the search process as inclusive as possible, within the necessary limits of confidentiality.
The University of Scranton finds itself in the midst of unsettling times for all of higher education. We have, however, experienced such challenging times throughout our history. We persevere and thrive by working together to advance our mission, and the years ahead will demand no less from us all.
Once again, the Board wishes to thank Father Quinn for all that he has done for the University and our students. We look forward to working with him in the coming year and wish him continued success in his service to the Society of Jesus in support of higher education.
Sincerely,
Lawrence R. Lynch ’81
Chair, Board of Trustees
