Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., is leaving Saint Xavier University. This was announced in an email sent to students on Friday, February 10.
Joyner is leaving to become president of St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. The email stated that Joyner will “take office in mid-July as the first woman to hold the position since the college’s founding in 1898.
Joyner stated that “It has been an incredible journey serving as President of Saint Xavier University. I remain inspired by the Catholic, Mercy mission, grounded in the selfless work of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy. I have been fortunate to have served with dedicated board members, talented senior leaders, engaged community members and remarkable students during my six-year tenure”.
The announcement of her departure comes a year and a half after the Board of Trustees extended her contract. An August 18, 2021 press release announced “The Saint Xavier University (SXU) Board of Trustees has unanimously agreed to a five-year contract extension for Laurie M. Joyner, Ph.D., SXU’s 20th president”.
Aisha Karim, Ph. D., President of the Faculty Senate and Associate English Professor, stated on behalf of the faculty that “Personnel change is common at universities and while changes can be temporarily disorienting, SXU faculty will continue to uphold SXU’s mission to ensure quality education for our students”.
In an article published by the Xavierite in 2017, it is stated that what attracted Joyner to the university “was its mission”.
She continued in the article, stating that “Educating students to go on, to be responsible leaders, to figure out who they are, to live successful lives, and build successful careers; that is my calling, so to speak”.
A statement sent by the Saint Xavier newsroom wrote that during her time here, Joyner had many accomplishments, including “expanding mission integration efforts; adding new academic programs; focusing sustained attention on educational quality; expanding athletic offerings; enrolling five of the largest first-year classes in institutional history; and improving retention four consecutive years”.
It continued, “She also advanced SXU’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging efforts, allowing the University to secure substantial external funding to expand wraparound services for students and advance equity-minded practices”.
While here, Joyner did face a vote of no confidence by the SXU Faculty. According to an article released by the Chicago Tribune on April 21, 2021 titled “Saint Xavier faculty say they have no confidence in school’s president”, the university faculty had voted that they had a “lack of confidence” in Joyner’s leadership.
The article states that the result of the vote was “71-33 in favor of the motion, with 6 abstentions”.
Nine faculty members were contacted regarding Joyner’s departure from the university, but only four responded with statements.
Raymond Taylor, Ph.D., stated that “The arrival of a new SXU president is a welcome opportunity to review priorities and renew our focus on the core mission of educating students. Our finances need to reflect that mission. I challenge the new administration to commit to spending 50 cents of every dollar of revenue on instruction”.
Brian Hill, Ph.D., stated that “I am saddened to hear of the departure of President Joyner. She has served the University very well and has overseen a significant improvement of the Universities financial position. Additionally, she has made some progress related to bringing awareness to the University community regarding improved diversity. While the University has a long way to go as many institutions do, her efforts are very noteworthy”.
Hill continued, “Her journey here has not been an easy one as she has worked in a very hostile environment from the day she arrived. I am cautiously hopeful that the next president is afforded a calmer and more collegial atmosphere in which to work”.
Brad Mello, Ph.D., stated that he hopes “for a President that presents a clear vision focused on building a strong, liberal arts-based curriculum that provides students the tools they need to succeed in life and career, not just tomorrow but in 10, 20, 30 years and beyond”.
In regards to what students can expect to see as the university adapts to Joyner’s departure, the newsroom statement wrote that “Students can expect the Board of Trustees, administration, faculty and staff to continue SXU’s positive trajectory and momentum by building on the impressive, collaborative results achieved during the prior six years”.
It continued, “All key functional areas of the University’s operations are handled by capable members of the senior leadership team, who will continue to advance mission and serve students”.
Johnnetta Washington, a sophomore Criminal Justice major, stated on behalf of the Student Government Association that they “wish President Joyner the best in her future endeavors. We hope that her successor embodies the Saint Xavier core values and implements them through their actions”.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Joyner worked at Loyola University New Orleans from January of 2003 until May of 2007.
She then worked at Rollins College from June of 2007 until June of 2012. She then worked at Wittenberg University from July of 2012 until June of 2016 until she ultimately began working at SXU in December of 2016.