Olean, NY (WBEN) Dr. Jeff Gingerich, provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs at the University of Scranton, has been named the 22nd president of St. Bonaventure University.
"Seldom in life do you see so many points of interest intersect on one conclusion, but in this case, all facets of the university community converged on a singular belief — that Jeff should be our next president," said John Sheehan, '82, chair of St. Bonaventure's Board of Trustees.
Trustees unanimously selected Gingerich after a nine-month search process led by a committee comprising university trustees, administrators, faculty, staff and students; the committee was co-chaired by trustees Deb Henretta, '83, and Michael Hill, '96. More than 60 members of the campus community participated in the on-campus interviews of the finalists.
"I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity I've been given to join the Bonaventure community," Gingerich said. "I have always had such deep respect and admiration for the Franciscans. Their humility, reflection and sense of community are fundamental in the way I strive to live my life."
Since 2018, Gingerich has served as the provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs at the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Prior to that he spent more than 18 years at Cabrini University in suburban Philadelphia, where he was provost and vice president for Academic Affairs from 2014-2018. He has served as acing president of both universities.
Fr. Kevin Mullen, O.F.M., a university trustee and provincial minister of Holy Name Province, said Gingerich clearly understood the essence of Saint Francis.
"When Jeff said that Francis went out to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, that resonated with me. That's the exact phrase that friars use to profess their way of life," Fr. Kevin said. "He showed himself to have a Franciscan heart just through his own personal experiences of being sensitive to and responsive to people who are on the margins. This gives me great confidence that he not only understands our tradition, but will enrich it."
A native of Parnell, Iowa, Gingerich and his wife, Betsy, are the parents of five children. Betsy has 30 years of experience in higher education, including many years at Alvernia University and Cabrini University.
Gingerich will be introduced to the campus community at a 12:30 p.m. press conference Wednesday, March 9, in Rigas Theater of the university's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.
