Press Releases
Presidential Search Committee Names Search Firm
Saint Xavier University Committee Selects RH Perry & Associates to Assist With Search
CHICAGO (March 31, 2003) – Saint Xavier University’s presidential search committee selected the Washington, D.C.-based firm RH Perry & Associates to assist the search for a new university president, according to committee chairman and Saint Xavier Board of Trustee Kenneth A. Skopec.
“RH Perry’s strong Catholic networks and proven track record in higher education consulting made this firm our leading choice,” Skopec said. “Principals Paul Gallagher and Sister Marylouise Fennel will assist us in developing an executive profile, seeking qualified candidates and collaborating with the entire Saint Xavier community as we search for President Yanikoski’s successor.”
Paul Gallagher joined RH Perry as senior associate in 1999 after serving as associate executive director of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, of which Saint Xavier University is a member. Gallagher was on the faculties of Trinity College in Washington, D.C. and Providence College in Rhode Island, and for seven years was director of the American College Program at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.
Serving on RH Perry’s board of advisors, Marylouise Fennell, RSM, Ed.D. is the past president of Carlow College in Pittsburgh and is currently managing partner of Pittsburgh-based CEO Consultants, a firm specializing in providing consulting services to presidents and boards of higher education and health institutions and businesses working with not-for-profits. Fennell is a Sister of Mercy and senior consultant to the Council of Independent Colleges, of which Saint Xavier is a member.
The university’s board of trustees named the presidential search committee at the end of last month. The committee is comprised of five trustees, including search chairman Skopec, three faculty and three staff members. Staff and faculty were nominated by fellow Saint Xavier employees.
Saint Xavier’s search for a new president began shortly after current President Richard Yanikoski announced last December that he would step down from his post when his current term expires this summer, following three consecutive three-year terms and the board’s efforts to renew for a fourth. Yanikoski has offered to remain available through the year if needed. He is expected to pursue scholarly activities, including research and writing, upon leaving Saint Xavier.
Founded in 1846, Saint Xavier University is a private, coeducational institution serving more than 5,200 men and women with high quality academic programs. It offers 36 undergraduate majors and 32 graduate program options in four schools: School of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, Graham School of Management, and School of Nursing. Located in a residential neighborhood in Chicago, the University offers personalized education that emphasizes challenging undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs of study. Crain’s Chicago Business (July 1, 2002) recognized Saint Xavier University for achieving the highest percentage of enrollment growth among Chicago-area universities and colleges during the previous year, increasing 6.3 percent. And, U.S. News & World Report named Saint Xavier in its 2002 “Best Colleges” issue as a best value and for its diversity as a master’s degree-granting institution in the Midwest region.