St. Thomas University (STU) seeks its next President at a significant moment in the institution’s history. The University enters this presidential transition following a period of substantial institutional growth. Enrollment has increased significantly over the past several years, accompanied by the expansion of academic offerings, investments in facilities and student life, growth in athletics, and enhanced philanthropic support. Guided by its strategic vision, Pursue Excellence, St. Thomas University has focused on strengthening academic quality, enhancing the student experience, expanding strategic partnerships, and advancing operational excellence while remaining firmly grounded in its Catholic identity and mission.
Located in Miami Gardens, Florida, St. Thomas University serves more than 8,700 students from 68 countries and nearly all 50 states. The University enrolls substantial numbers of first-generation college students and remains deeply committed to educational access and economic mobility. Approximately 73 percent of first-time students identify as first-generation college students. The University offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional programs across a broad range of disciplines, including business, law, education, health sciences, nursing, theology, psychology, criminal justice, and the liberal arts.
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the President serves as the chief executive officer of the University and is responsible for providing strategic, academic, financial, and operational leadership. The STU President manages a $58M endowment, including unrestricted, board-designated, and restricted funds, and an operating budget of approximately $123M. As the University’s chief ambassador, the President will also play a central role in strengthening philanthropic support, cultivating community and business partnerships, and enhancing the institution’s visibility and reputation throughout South Florida and beyond.
The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic and mission-driven leader who embraces the University’s Catholic identity, demonstrates a commitment to student success, and possesses the strategic, financial, and operational leadership necessary to guide a complex and growing institution. The successful candidate will have an earned, advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile at WittKieffer.com.
WittKieffer is assisting St. Thomas University in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 8, 2027. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Melody Rose, Ph.D., Alejandra Gillette-Teran, and Sarah Seavey at StThomasPresident@wittkieffer.com.
St. Thomas University is an equal opportunity employer committed to a professional, inclusive environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on institutional needs and merit, and the University prohibits discrimination or harassment based on any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, military status, marital or familial status, and other legally protected statuses.
Consistent with applicable law and the University’s Catholic identity and religious mission, St. Thomas University reserves its rights regarding the maintenance of Catholic values and consideration of the Catholic faith in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment and to University-related work, activities, travel, meetings, and events.
