Nazareth University President Beth Paul to Conclude 6-year Tenure in June 2026
Navigated Nazareth Through COVID-19, Rising Challenges of Higher Ed Landscape, and Centennial Celebration
Rochester, NY (01/29/2025) — Nazareth University announced today that Dr. Elizabeth Paul, the University's 10th president, will conclude her eventual 6-year tenure in that role in June 2026.
Paul, who assumed the role in July 2020, informed the Nazareth Board of Trustees of her plans this week and communicated her intentions to students, faculty, staff, and alumni in an email stating, "My affection for Nazareth and my dedication to its future remains unwavering. As we progress together over the next year and a half, I am committed to launching Nazareth with positivity and determination into its second century and continuing our work with passion and purpose."
John J. Drain, Chairman of the Nazareth University Board of Trustees, announced today that President Elizabeth Paul had informed the Board of her intention to remain in her current role until June 2026, after which she will conclude her service.
Drain praised President Paul as a tireless, dedicated, and insightful leader since 2020 when she tackled the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Paul also guided the Nazareth community through transitioning from a college to a university and its centennial, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the institution's heritage and that of the founding Sisters of Saint Joseph. Nazareth University will forever benefit from Dr. Paul's contributions as a champion of higher education.
Drain also noted that, during her remaining tenure, Dr. Paul will be fully and wholly invested in achieving key institutional goals and capitalizing on Nazareth's many opportunities as it enters its second century. This time will also be invaluable in smoothly and effectively transitioning leadership to the forthcoming president.
Paul has had an accomplished career in higher education. She will have cumulatively served as university president for a decade at Nazareth and Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, along with more than 10 years of senior leadership experience and another 2 decades as a dedicated teacher-scholar.
Paul stated: "My life's work has been centered on being a changemaker leader - working collaboratively to advance higher education and, through it, progress in society. My commitment to this mission remains as strong as ever. I remain passionate about higher education and its value, and I look forward to continuing to support higher education institutions, and to support, mentor, and encourage emerging leaders across the United States who will carry this vital work into the future."
The Nazareth Board of Trustees will initiate a search process for the University's next president in the coming months as we approach the 2025-26 academic year.
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