Cottage Grove campus sxu.edu
Keith Elder, Ph.D., MPH, MPA, was appointed SXU’s 21st president, continuing the university’s ever growing history. Elder is set to begin on March 1, 2024.
Elder has 20 years of experience in higher education and spent a majority at faith-based institutions. Before coming to SXU, Elder had worked at Mississippi College as provost and dean and professor at the School of Public Health at Samford University. Elder was selected from a diverse pool of candidates by the Board of Trustees.
Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., previously held this position before she moved on to St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. Joyner was SXU’s president for 7 years, starting in 2016 and ending in 2023.
Interim President Rebecca Sherick, Ph. D., briefly took over as president until the Board of Trustees could find a replacement.
During Joyner’s presidency, 8 majors were cut in total. Including; Religious Studies, Philosophy, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, English, History, Sociology, and Spanish.
Joyner also expanded mission integration efforts and athletic offerings, added new academic programs, and enrolled five first-year classes.
Previously before Joyner, Emerita Christine M. Wiseman, J.D. held the position of president at SXU from 2010 to 2016. Wiseman Student Lounge was named after President Wiseman due to her dedication to the students and university.
Each president has offered different environments for students to excel in.
Saint Xavier University was first founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846 and chartered in 1847, making SXU Chicago’s oldest university. Being an older University, Saint Xavier has a long history of presidents.
Taking place on Fri. March 1 in the Mercy Ministry Center from 3-4:30 p.m. is a meet and greet welcoming Elder as president of SXU. All staff and students are invited to attend this open house.