The Search for SLU’s 34th President
Saint Louis University has commenced a search for its 34th president with the naming of a Presidential Search Committee, following the March 21, 2024, announcement from University President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., that he will step down at the end of June 2025.
The Saint Louis University Presidential Search Committee is working in conjunction with leadership recruitment firm WittKieffer to identify a diverse group of candidates who are committed to SLU’s mission, values and future.
Listening Sessions and Community Input Survey
Gathering valuable input from the SLU community is key to the search and will be used to develop the leadership profile and aid in the candidate selection process. All faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to participate in upcoming listening sessions, which are being offered in person and virtually. Faculty, staff and students at the Madrid campus are invited to attend any session that fits their schedule.
Make plans to attend one of the upcoming listening sessions. Zoom information will be provided prior to the sessions.
- Agenda Items: What are the things you would like for the new president to accomplish? When you look around you in five years, what will you see that tells you that the right person was hired?
- Qualifications and Qualities: What are the qualifications and qualities a president needs to achieve the above and to thrive in the role?
- Selling Points: What makes you most proud to be part of the Saint Louis University community and excited about the future?
Register for a Listening Session
- Zoom: 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 25
- Zoom: 8 to 9 a.m. (3 to 4 p.m. CEST) Tuesday, April 23
For those who are unable to attend a listening session, feedback can also be shared via this confidential survey.
In addition, to provide confidential input to WittKieffer, please email slu-president@wittkieffer.com.
Presidential Search Timeline
- April to May 2024: Community-wide listening sessions, development of a leadership
profile and launch of the national search.
- In-person listening sessions for students, faculty and staff were hosted on Wednesday, April 17.
- Zoom listening sessions for faculty and staff were hosted on Monday, April 22.
- June to November 2024: Candidate recruitment, semi-finalist selection, engagement and interviews.
- December 2024 to January 2025: Finalists selection and interviews, recommendations to the Board of Trustees, approval of the 34th president by the Board of Trustees.
This timeline is a general guideline and may be adjusted.