Selected Accomplishments at
Saint Xavier University

Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D., President

Strategic Planning

  • Beginning in 2003, led the effort to implement The Power of Eight, a comprehensive set of concrete strategic directives to serve as guideposts for the future of Saint Xavier University.
  • Strategic initiatives encompass Mission and Heritage, Academic Affairs, Enrollment and Student Services, Campus Master Plan, University Advancement, University Relations, Business and Finance.
  • Evidence of progress in strategic planning since 2004 include: creation of a vibrant Office for University Mission and Heritage; record institutional enrollments; improving academic profile of undergraduates; largest Honors program enrollment in our history; 43% increase in resident students; construction of the first LEED Certified (Gold Rating) student resident in Chicago; upward movement (10 positions) in the annual US News College Rankings; creation of an innovative new General Education program; NCATE accreditation for all programs in the School of Education; School of Nursing designated as a "Center of Excellence" by the National League for Nursing.

Academics and Assessment

  • Saint Xavier University was recently ranked in the top 25 percent in U.S. News & World Report’s 2008 rankings of Best Colleges in the Midwest offering undergraduate and master’s degrees.
  • Saint Xavier is one of 35 colleges and universities in the country to have participated in the National Survey of Student Engagement since its inception in 1998.
  • Saint Xavier is in the first group of institutions nationally to participate in the Collegiate Learning Assessment and the Lumina Longitudinal Study.
  • Saint Xavier has joined 34 other colleges and universities to examine first-year student success as it is shaped by student experiences in a study funded by the Spencer Foundation.
  • Saint Xavier is an active participant in the Higher Learning Commission’s Assessment Academy.

University Relations

  • Saint Xavier University has developed a comprehensive media and marketing plan to increase the profile of the University regionally and nationally.
  • Saint Xavier University featured former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright and General Colin L. Powell as speakers in the “Voices and Visions Speakers Series,” raising public awareness of the University by providing a forum for nationally respected public figures.

A renewed emphasis on fundraising

  • Saint Xavier University has raised in excess of $28 Million dollars in the past four years.
  • The value of the University's endowment has more than doubled.
  • Through generous donations of real estate, the University acquired a significant piece of property along West 103rd Street in Chicago, including Gilhooley's Grande Saloon, as well as additional land on the Orland Park campus.

Campus Master Plan/Physical Facilities/Technology

  • Oversaw the design and construction of Illinois’ first LEED Gold-standard university building, meeting cutting-edge “green” building standards.
  • Oversaw the unveiling and implementation of the Saint Xavier Campus Master Plan, including a concerted effort to continue excellent relations with the surrounding community.
  • Oversaw the creation of the Information Technology Advisory Committee, which in turn developed a three-year information technology plan to support academic excellence, collaboration and collegiality.
  • Oversaw library design competition between four leading architectural firms to provide a conceptual design for a new signature library on the SXU Chicago campus.

Appointments

  • Appointed Rev. Francis S .Tebbe, O.F.M., D.Min., as executive assistant to the president and secretary of the corporation.
  • Created the position of vice president for the Office for Research, Planning and Assessment and appointed Kathleen Carlson, Ph.D. to the post, enhancing the University’s ability to assess itself and provide greater accountability.
  • Created the position of vice president for the Office of Mission and Heritage and appointed Sr. Susan M. Sanders, RSM, Ph.D.
  • Appointed Robert Tenczar, Jr., as the vice president for University Relations.
  • Appointed Steven Murphy, Ed.D., as the vice president for University Advancement.
  • Appointed John Pelrine, Jr., as the vice president for Student Affairs.
  • Created the position of Provost and appointed Dominick Hart, Ph.D.
  • Created the position of vice president for information resources and technologies and appointed Calvin J. Williams.