Medical Issues Prevent Joseph O’Keefe, S.J., from Assuming Presidency
Thursday, March 10, 2011
PHILADELPHIA (March 10, 2011) - Saint Joseph’s University has announced that Father Joseph O’Keefe, S.J., will be unable to assume the presidency of the University after a routine medical examination revealed some serious medical issues.
Saint Joseph’s Board of Trustees unanimously elected Fr. O’Keefe as Saint Joseph’s 27th president earlier this year, on Jan. 24, following a nationwide search. Previously he had served as dean of the Lynch School of Education at Boston College. He was to officially take office at Saint Joseph’s on May 18.
In a letter to the Trustees, Fr. O’Keefe disclosed that during the physical examination he was required to undergo as part of the hiring process, “to my deep dismay and surprise, the results…revealed some serious cardiovascular issues. In consultation with my physician and with Jesuit Provincial Myles Sheehan, S.J., it was determined that I am not able to assume my new role.”
In a statement to the Boston College community, he wrote, “This is particularly painful because I was so enthusiastic about this position and found such a gracious and warm welcome from the entire Saint Joseph’s community.”
Paul Hondros, chairman of Saint Joseph’s Board of Trustees, informed the University community “with deep regret and sadness” in a message earlier today. “I know you are as deeply disappointed as I am that we will not be welcoming Father O’Keefe to our campus as our next president,” he wrote. “I know, too, that you join me in extending heartfelt prayers to Fr. O’Keefe for his complete recovery at this difficult time.”
Fr. O’Keefe said that after a stress test on Mar. 11, he would engage in a multifaceted wellness plan that will include a residential stay at the Duke University Weight Loss Clinic, or a similar facility.
Fr. O’Keefe will take leave from Boston College for the 2011-2012 academic year to seek immediate medical attention and then return to his full time faculty position at Boston College in Sept. 2012.
There is a scheduled meeting of the Executive Committee of the Saint Joseph’s Board of Trustees this Monday to begin the steps to secure the future leadership of the University.
