BY QUIN WELCH, EDITOR IN CHIEF
Bellarmine University named its newest president, Dr. Susan M. Donovan, on Tuesday.
Donovan comes to Bellarmine after a nationwide search conducted by a university presidential search committee with the help of search firm Isaacson, Miller. The newest BU president said she is excited to get started in Louisville.
“Few institutions have made more progress than Bellarmine University in the last 25 years,” Donovan said. “I am delighted to lead Bellarmine, with an emphasis on strategic initiatives aimed at improving academic excellence, the student experience and our level of community engagement in Louisville and the region.”
In her 32 years at Loyola, Donovan has served as executive vice president since 2011 and served as acting president in 2015. Prior to that, she worked as vice president for student development, dean of students, dean of residence life and and interim vice president for advancement.
Donovan will be no stranger to Bellarmine’s Catholic identity, as Loyola is a Jesuit institution. She said she is committed to the university’s religious ideals.
“Our mission calls us to be a shelter in the storm of indifference, a beacon of hope for justice, a path out of poverty, and a companion to the disenfranchised people at the margins,” she said. “This transformation of the heart happens through our teaching, scholarship, meaningful service and civic engagement.”
Pat Mulloy, chairman of the Bellarmine board of trustees, said Donovan was a perfect fit at Bellarmine.
“Dr. Donovan was a key figure at Loyola during a period of transformational growth, much like our own, and the trustees know she will be an exceptional leader here at Bellarmine,” Mulloy said.
Loyola president, Rev. Brian F. Linnane, said Donovan’s impact on Loyola will not be forgotten any time soon.
“She has, indeed, left her mark on Loyola, setting a gold standard for the service and care the University provides to students, deepening Loyola’s commitment to service in and beyond Baltimore, and inspiring our community to engage more fully in essential conversations around racial justice and equity,” Linnane said. “While I am extraordinarily sorry to lose her exceptional wisdom and integrity, as well as her tireless advocacy for our Jesuit values, I am also delighted for her and for the Bellarmine University community.”
Donovan, who holds degrees from Buena Vista University, Florida State University and St. Louis University, will meet with the Bellarmine community tomorrow at 3 p.m. in Frazier Hall.