Loyola Marymount University (LMU) seeks a transformative and visionary leader to serve as its next president to advance its Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount mission, distinguished by commitments to academic excellence, social justice, and holistic education. As a premier national university grounded in a values-based educational experience, LMU is seeking a president who embodies the care of the whole person (cura personalis) and the pursuit of excellence (magis)—values that guide the university in cultivating ethical leaders to serve and shape the world.
LMU has made remarkable progress in the past decade, characterized by robust growth, financial strength, innovation, and a deeper alignment with its mission. LMU’s 2500 renowned faculty and dedicated staff are committed to delivering a personalized and transformative student experience. LMU is a national leader in diversity, equity, and antiracism efforts, strengthening a culture of inclusivity and care where all are welcome and supported. At the same time, a comprehensive, multiyear effort to reinvigorate LMU’s brand and reputation has expanded the university’s recognition, extending its reach with impact.
An institution on the rise, the next president will honor LMU’s cherished traditions while forging a bold vision for the future. Key priorities include enhancing the university’s mission and values, expanding innovative academic offerings, enriching student life, pursuing fundraising opportunities, enhancing visibility and reputation, cultivating partnerships, and broadening LMU’s influence locally and globally. The president will oversee the culmination of a historic comprehensive capital campaign, lead a new strategic planning process, and further establish LMU’s role as an educational and cultural leader in Los Angeles and beyond.
Rooted in a rich Catholic intellectual tradition, LMU is guided by its mission: the encouragement of learning, the education of the whole person, the service of faith, and the promotion of justice. Founded in 1911, LMU is a top-ranked private university, recognized nationally for its academic programs and known for its values-based, personalized educational experience. LMU is situated at the global nexus of religion, the arts, culture, entertainment, technology, entrepreneurship, and commerce in Los Angeles, the world’s creative capital. LMU is shaped by the two educational traditions of its three sponsoring religious orders: the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. Located in the largest Catholic archdiocese in the nation, LMU is among the most culturally diverse of the nation’s 27 Jesuit universities and has recently met enrollment markers to qualify for the statuses of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI). More than half of LMU’s students identify as students of color.
LMU educates more than 10,000 students from over 100 countries, offering 56 majors, 56 minors, 45 master’s programs, 3 doctoral degrees, a juris doctorate, and 12 credential programs across its seven colleges and schools. With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the university fosters an intimate, rigorous, and dynamic learning environment. LMU’s esteemed faculty includes Fulbright Scholars, Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and Princeton Fellows, who drive its scholarly, creative, and research initiatives. LMU is designated as an R2 “high research” institution. The campus provides a vibrant co-curricular experience and fields 14 NCAA Division I sports in the West Coast Conference, and its students contribute more than 250,000 service hours annually across 250 community organizations. LMU is supported by an annual operating budget of $689 million and it generates nearly $1.4 billion in total economic output in the U.S.
The ideal candidate should demonstrate a proven record of scholarly innovation, a collaborative leadership style, exceptional interpersonal communications, and the ability to foster community to produce successful outcomes. Experience navigating a complex academic institution rooted in Catholic pedagogies is preferred with a passion for higher education and a commitment to shared governance. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of and alignment and values of a Catholic education in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions of Ignatian pedagogy, including a demonstrated commitment to justice in all its forms (social, racial, economic, and environmental), education of the whole person, and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. The president will embrace the Catholic intellectual, spiritual, and social traditions, and embraces Catholic liturgy, ritual, and other settings where they may be called upon to lead prayer and deliver personal reflections.
Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest are invited by contacting Suzanne Teer, Philip Tang, and Alejandra Gillette-Teran at LMUPresident@wittkieffer.com. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume, and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile which can be found at www.wittkieffer.com. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received as early as possible and no later than February 3, 2025. WittKieffer is assisting LMU in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made. This search will be conducted with complete confidentiality for all candidates.
Compensation decisions at LMU are based on a comprehensive evaluation of factors, including experience, skills, knowledge, education, licensure, certification, and organizational priorities. Salary offers reflect the final candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience. The salary range that LMU reasonably expects to pay for this position is $850,000 – $900,000. LMU provides a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, a presidential residence, and relocation assistance.
LMU is an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state, and local law. We invite persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. More information about LMU’s Statement of Non-Discrimination and related processes is available at LMU Human Resources.
