{"id":11671,"date":"2023-08-23T11:38:11","date_gmt":"2023-08-23T15:38:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/news\/?p=11671"},"modified":"2023-08-23T14:13:00","modified_gmt":"2023-08-23T18:13:00","slug":"saint-peters-university-president-eugene-j-cornacchia-ph-d-announces-decision-to-retire-in-june-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/news\/2023\/08\/23\/saint-peters-university-president-eugene-j-cornacchia-ph-d-announces-decision-to-retire-in-june-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ\u2019s University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., Announces Decision to Retire in June 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"
\u201cAs a new faculty member in 1981, I never could have imagined having the opportunity to lead this great institution as president,\u201d said Dr. Cornacchia. \u201cTogether, we have accomplished many of the goals I set out to achieve for the University and I could not be more proud or more grateful for this incredible community. My love for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ\u2019s will never waver.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n President Cornacchia’s retirement comes after 42 years of dedicated service to Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ’s. During his time as president he guided the institution through a period of growth, innovation and unparalleled progress. Notable achievements include: <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition, Dr. Cornacchia has set fundraising records, securing $64.7 million for <\/span>Students at the Center: The Campaign for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ\u2019s University<\/span><\/i> in 2014 and with the University\u2019s latest campaign, <\/span>Peacocks Rise: The Campaign for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ\u2019s University<\/span><\/i>. <\/span>Peacocks Rise<\/span><\/i> celebrated its public launch in December 2022 with $70 million secured during its quiet phase alone, breaking previous records. One of Dr. Cornacchia\u2019s key priorities for his final year as president – which is also the final year of the campaign\u2019s public phase – is to raise significant additional funding to not only position the University as strongly as possible for the future, but to celebrate the conclusion of the largest and most successful campaign to date in the University\u2019s history in June of 2024. Beyond fundraising success, the University also secured more than $25 million in federal grants during Dr. Cornacchia\u2019s tenure.<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Cornacchia attended Fordham University and earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in political science in 1976, a master\u2019s degree in political science in 1979 and a Ph.D. in political science in 1985. Prior to becoming the first lay president of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ\u2019s and after <\/span>20<\/span> years of teaching at the University, Dr. Cornacchia served as academic dean and subsequently as provost and vice president for academic affairs before being named president.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cDr. Cornacchia has been a visionary leader who has made an indelible mark on the institution. His collaborative leadership has brought Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ\u2019s to new heights and his accomplishments have been immeasurable,\u201d said Kenneth Moore, CFA \u201991, chair of the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ\u2019s University Board of Trustees. \u201cThe Board of Trustees is deeply grateful for President Cornacchia\u2019s dedication and service and we are fortunate to have his leadership for another academic year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ’s University is committed to ensuring a smooth transition in leadership and the comprehensive search for the 23rd president is underway.<\/span><\/p>\n # # end # #<\/span><\/p>\n For more than 150 years, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ\u2019s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, educates a diverse community of learners in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, please visit <\/span>saintpeters.edu<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/a>Jersey City, N.J. \u2013 August 23, 2023 \u2013<\/b>Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ\u2019s University President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., today announced<\/a> his decision to retire at the end of his current contract on June 30, 2024. Dr. Cornacchia is the University\u2019s first lay president and the longest-serving president in Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ\u2019s history. He began his term as the 22<\/span>nd<\/span> president in 2007 and has had a distinguished tenure marked by transformative leadership, unwavering dedication and a fierce commitment to academic excellence and the Jesuit mission. <\/span><\/p>\n\n