June 2019:
Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, joins Saint Joseph’s University as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs.

February 2020:
Under the direction of Dr. McConnell, the University launches its first Day of Dialogue featuring events, lectures and workshops to increase diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

March 2020:
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. McConnell engineers the University’s pivot to hybrid learning. Saint Joseph’s is one of three Philadelphia universities to maintain an in-person presence during the first year of the pandemic.

May 2022:
The University launches a $300-million comprehensive campaign, SOAR, to fund multiple capital projects, increase access to education through financial aid and scholarships, and further academic and mission innovation.

June 2022:
Saint Joseph’s completes a historic merger agreement with the University of the Sciences, acquiring dozens of academic programs in health and science — the integration of which is spearheaded by Dr. McConnell.

August 2022:
Mark C. Reed, EdD, steps down as president of the University and Dr. McConnell is named interim president by the Board of Trustees.

January 2023:
Saint Joseph’s announces a merger agreement with the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, led by Dr. McConnell. The merger is expected to close in January 2024.

March 2023:
Dr. McConnell is unanimously elected the 29th and first female president of Saint Joseph’s University.