St. John’s University picks new president, the longtime head of Providence College

Rev. Brain Shanley will begin his tenure as St. John’s University’s next president in February 2021. Photo courtesy of SJU

By David Brand

Rev. Brian Shanley, a priest and veteran university administrator, will become the next president of St. John’s University, the school’s board of trustees said Tuesday.

The board unanimously elected Shanley to replace retiring President Conrado Gempesaw.

Shanley will begin his tenure on Feb. 1, 2021 after spending the last 15 years as president of Providence College, his alma mater. Shanley was the longest-serving president in that school’s history.

He said he looks forward to expanding the St. John’s mission of educating immigrants and their children.

“I have long admired St. John’s commitment to the founding mission set forth by the Vincentian community to provide a Catholic education for first-generation students in a diverse and inclusive environment,” Shanley said. “I look forward to leading our community to remain committed to that mission amidst the unique challenges of the current times.” 

Shanley has a doctorate in philosophy and was ordained as a priest in 1987. Before becoming Providence College president, he served as a professor at the Catholic University of America, the University of Notre Dame and Emory University. 

St. John’s Board Chair William Janetschek said he was “delighted’” by Shanley’s election following a nationwide search.

“Father Shanley’s steadfast devotion to Catholic education and to student success were apparent from our very first conversations with him,” Janetschek said. “He has a demonstrated record of achievement as President of Providence College, and we believe that he is the ideal candidate to serve as our beloved University’s 18th President.” 

Gempesaw announced his plan to retire in June. He served as SJU president for six years beginning in 2014.