Steve Morano
MSMU Class of 2024

(8/28) As the start of the school year gets underway at Mount St. Mary’s University, there will also be a new beginning for the administration as President Jerry Joyce starts his tenure as the 27th president of the university. Joyce, who has more than three decades of experience in higher education, will take over for President Timothy Trainor following his retirement announcement after nine years in office. Upon its founding in 1808, Joyce will take charge of the second-oldest Catholic university in the United States.

In his last role as Executive Vice President of DeSales University in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, President Joyce oversaw the development and growth of the school while serving in many roles regarding student life and the development of the academic curriculum. Having such experience, when asked about his transition to the Mount, President Joyce described it as "seamless". He accounts for the community’s hospitality towards him and his family during his transition as President, but especially dotes on former President Trainer when he says, "It could be a little intimidating to say, ‘How am I gonna follow this guy, who is revered on campus," Joyce continues, "He actually made the transition really easy for me".

Being the President of the second-oldest Catholic university holds an admirable title. That said, President Joyce describes this as being an "awesome responsibility" and a wonderful opportunity to be blessed with. He acknowledges the work that comes with being the President of such a renowned university and hopes to continue the growth of the Mount.

With every new presidency comes new things to change and some to remain. Many would be hesitant to change so many things so suddenly, so it is admirable that President Joyce plans to take a step back and better know the Mount community before establishing any impactful changes. He is committed to hearing and understanding the concerns shared among the students and staff. President Joyce is also eager to learn about what the Mount community means to everyone and better understand our home away from home.

President Joyce continues to demonstrate his dedication to the Mount by actively reaching out to Mount students, faculty, and alumni for their stories. He is avid on hearing why we are proud of this university, what the Mount has done for us, and our overall experiences here. With this information, President Joyce wants to ensure that incoming students, current students, and all of our faculty can have the same impactful experiences. When it comes to student life, athletics, campus ministry, and other heavily active groups of the Mount, President Joyce is determined to ensure that these groups maintain their involvement by working with each other. That is to say, all groups will work together to support one another so that everyone involved is securely knit into the Mount community.

All of this to say, the future looks bright for Mount Saint Mary’s University as President Joyce begins his tenure. Not only is there a committed, passionate President to head this beautiful university, but our President is eager to get to know us and what makes our university something to be proud of.