Dr. Mark C. Reed, Loyola’s 25th president, Starts His First Day at Loyola 

Loyola’s 25th President Dr. Mark C. Reed began his first day at Loyola on Oct. 1 following former President Jo Ann Rooney’s departure.  Reed is scheduled to be inaugurated as president on Nov. 3, Loyola’s Associate Director of External Communications Matt McDermott wrote in an email to The Phoenix. 

In an email sent to the Loyola community on Oct. 1, Reed said he is eager for his first year at Loyola. 

“I have heard about so many meaningful moments in the Rambler experience that I look forward to sharing with you—from the first big game in Gentile Arena, to service days and community events, to watching the seasons change along the lakefront,” Reed wrote in the email.

Before being hired by Loyola in May, Reed worked at Saint Joseph’s University in Pennsylvania for seven years. He was their 28th president and first non-Jesuit president, according to a press release. 

Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff at Saint Joseph’s Sarah F. Quinn said in an email to The Phoenix that during Reeds time as president he had a number of accomplishments including securing the largest gift in SJU’s history, creating a campus transformation plan and strategic plan, and the acquisition of the University of the Sciences, which began as the first college of pharmacy in North America.

“Dr. Reed led Saint Joseph’s University through arguably one of the most challenging times in higher education and he did so boldly with authenticity, integrity and a strength to dare,” Quinn wrote in the email.

Quinn further wrote what is most memorable about Dr. Reed was his focus on improving the overall educational experience for Saint Joseph’s students and enhancing the University’s Jesuit, Catholic mission.

“On a personal note, I consider myself blessed, both personally and professionally, to have worked alongside Dr. Reed for seven years,” Quinn wrote.

“Dr. Reed led Saint Joseph’s University through arguably one of the most challenging times in higher education and he did so boldly with authenticity, integrity and a strength to dare. Some highlights from his tenure include, the largest gift in SJU’s history, a bold campus transformation plan and strategic plan, an educational partnership with the world-renown Barnes Foundation, and the acquisition of the University of the Sciences, which began as the first college of pharmacy in North America.

However, what is most memorable about Dr. Reed was his constant focus on improving the overall educational experience of our students and enhancing the University’s Jesuit, Catholic mission. His deep understanding of and commitment to Jesuit education is remarkable and guides his actions each and every day.

Featured image by Aidan Cahill | The Phoenix