Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD is the 29th president of Saint Joseph's University. Prior to assuming the presidency, Dr. McConnell served for three years as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, where she oversaw the University's academic enterprise with a particular focus on expanding the academic portfolio to meet market need and student demand. She led the merger agreement with Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences and the historic integration of University of the Sciences, coordinating the acquisition of dozens of academic programs in health and science along with state-of-the-art campus facilities.
A national leader in Jesuit higher education, Dr. McConnell was the dean of the College of Business Helzberg School of Management at Rockhurst University, where she was also the associate provost for academic affairs, responsible for academic support areas and programs. In her academic roles at Rockhurst, she was active in the business, civic, and nonprofit communities, and with regional organizations. Dr. McConnell is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Missouri Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Rockhurst University Faculty of the Year Award, the Helzberg School of Management Perfect Professor Award, and the Rockhurst University Excellence in Teaching Award.
Her 39-year commitment to Jesuit education has been strengthened through leadership experiences. Dr. McConnell was appointed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as a member of the State Board of Higher Education. Additionally, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker appointed her to serve on the city's Eds and Meds Roundtable.
Dr. McConnell serves on the Executive Committee for the Atlantic 10 Conference and the boards of directors for the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and the City Avenue District. She also serves as the State Board of Education liaison for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP).
After earning her Master of Professional Accountancy degree and Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with a major in Accounting, from Wichita State University, Dr. McConnell earned her PhD in higher education administration from Saint Louis University. She is also a certified public accountant and a certified fraud examiner.
A proud first-generation college graduate, Dr. McConnell has published or presented more than 125 articles, papers, or workshops. Her research and speaking focus on higher education issues, gender issues related to career advancement and performance reviews, and the need for ethical leadership in a time of change and uncertainty.
