Mark C. Reed, Ed.D., became the 28th president of Saint Joseph’s University in July of 2015. Since his arrival, Dr. Reed has prioritized sustaining and expanding academic quality and ensuring the University’s financial strength through sound management, collaboration and a progressive mindset.
In addition to securing the largest gift in University history — $50M to primarily bolster endowment for both academic programs and student scholarships, Dr. Reed also recently negotiated a partnership with the adjacent, internationally-renowned Barnes Foundation. The educational affiliation will sustain Barnes programming and allow for the expansion of Saint Joseph’s art and cultural offerings.
His vision for Saint Joseph’s takes shape in the University’s new bold and forward-thinking strategic plan. Its implementation will secure SJU as a leading comprehensive liberal arts university with a broad academic portfolio; strong liberal arts and sciences core; prominent professional, co-curricular and athletic programs; and a campus that meets and exceeds the expectations of modern learners.
As President, Dr. Reed is deeply committed to understanding and attending to the experience of students, ensuring a rigorous and reflective education that leads graduates to fuller personal and professional lives. A product of Jesuit education, Dr. Reed believes in the University’s Jesuit tradition and accepts a responsibility to steward its mission as central to his leadership.
Dr. Reed came to Saint Joseph’s from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he served in multiple senior leadership roles over a fifteen-year tenure. An accomplished educator and administrator, Dr. Reed was involved in all aspects of academic and student life, as well as administration, enrollment management, finance, marketing, strategic planning, operations and external affairs.
Currently, Dr. Reed chairs the Council of Presidents for the Atlantic 10 Conference and serves on the Board of Directors for the American Council on Education (ACE), the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU), the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP), and the City Avenue Special Services District. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee for the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU), and is Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia.
A sought-after speaker and subject matter expert on the business of higher education, Dr. Reed most recently delivered keynote addresses to the National Association of College and University Business Officers and the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities Leadership Seminar. He has also offered commentary in Inside Higher Ed, The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Philadelphia Business Journal.
Dr. Reed received a B.S. in mathematics from Fairfield University, a master of education in secondary educational administration from Boston College, an MBA from Fairfield, and a doctorate of education in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania.
