Dr. Keith Elder, Ph.D.,MPH,MPA Saint Xavier University
Saint Xavier University’s (SXU) new president Dr. Keith Elder, Ph.D., MPH, MPA started his role as president on March 1, 2024. Since his time here, he has shared plans to better our community as a whole, but mainly to benefit the students of SXU.
Elder is currently focusing on student retention ratings. His goal is to retain at least 80% of students, including graduating 67% in 4 years or less, while ensuring 50% have an internship while attending SXU to gain valuable experience early on in their careers.
He plans on having 97% of students or higher attain a job or attend graduate school after their time at SXU. Elder voiced the need to invest in our people and our environments.
“We need to do everything we can to keep, retain, and train our staff and put our resources into making our campus beneficial and beautiful for our students,” explains Elder. “The reason we are in business is because of them.”
One step Elder is taking to do so is figuring out the strengths and weaknesses of SXU’s programs by talking to employers. “We have to know how well our students are doing and what they need to be even stronger,” shares Elder.
Due to the advancements and changes in the economy, Elder plans to meet the needs of students by making sure the curriculum is up to date. “Talking to employers helps ensure we are offering what the market says we will need today and in the future, ” voices Elder. “We just need to make certain that we are meeting their needs as a University.”
Elder wishes to talk more to students to understand if their needs are met or not. He explains that the only way to know is if it comes from the student’s perspective.
The pathways Elder is taking to ensure students are having their needs met is by finding out what students personally believe we need to improve on and engaging with families.
He believes we are closing in on an optimal size on campus and what we can do in person, but we can increase the number of offerings throughout distance education without hurting our physical footprint by growing at a pace our facilities can’t handle.
“We have to make sure we grow in a way where we still have margins where we can still invest in the university,” says Elder. He shares wanting to keep a smaller university feel for students where they can get to know each other as well as faculty and staff.
“It was really nice to see students engaging with one another during the first week of classes. There was a lot of energy and it was refreshing. When students aren’t here and engaging we lose a lot of that energy that we need,” Elder explains.
Elder spoke on areas for improvement on campus as well, by creating more conducive spaces where students can build a community and enjoy each other’s company and updating campus buildings.
Elder is working on commissioning a capacity study of campus buildings to figure out how they need to go about addressing concerns of structural and general improvement. After the study concludes, a master plan will be put together.
The master plan will conclude what campus buildings need and steps to attain what’s required. Elder is planning on modernizing the campus and creating a more inviting environment. Buildings that are refreshed and well taken care of are asked of by students, faculty, and staff Elder shares.
He is planning on possibly adding new carpeting, paint, chairs, and more. Elder is prioritizing these changes as the budget allows them to “make certain that we’re putting money back into our facilities and to our people.”
Additionally, there is a plan to bring back a spirit wear store on campus. Elder has been talking to his supervisors about where it will be located. Most likely, the store will be located near the Diner. Elder wants to figure out a location that is convenient for students to go to to avoid walking a far distance.
Elder is currently in the process of these improvements for the success and academic excellence of students.