Dear Hilltoppers,
Following President Fuentes’ announcement of her transition this summer, I write on behalf of the Board of Trustees to share how the Board is stewarding St. Edward’s University’s leadership transition and to express our profound gratitude to President Fuentes for her service to our beloved institution.
To ensure continuity of leadership, the Board has engaged AGB Search, a nationally respected executive search firm, to assist in the appointment of an Interim President. Our intention is to provide a one-month overlap between the Interim President and President Fuentes prior to the start of her sabbatical on July 1, thereby preserving institutional momentum and operational stability.
The Interim President will serve for up to -- but no more than -- two years. This deliberate timeframe allows the Board to conduct a thoughtful, inclusive, and comprehensive national search for the University’s next permanent president, consistent with the significance of the role and the enduring legacy of St. Edward’s University.
This transition represents a consequential chapter in the University’s 140-year history. The Board approaches this responsibility with clarity of intent, unwavering commitment to our Holy Cross mission, and a deep sense of stewardship for an institution entrusted to our care. Throughout the process, we remain resolutely focused on the vitality and future strength of St. Edward’s University and on the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners who bring our mission to life. We are committed to transparent communication and will provide regular updates as the interim search advances. In addition, we will launch a dedicated website to provide information and updates regarding the search for our next president.
President Fuentes’ leadership on the Hilltop has been marked by her strong commitment to our Holy Cross values. Under her guidance, St. Edward’s launched the School of Health Sciences, restored intercollegiate athletics, and broadened its academic portfolio. Enrollment and student success strengthened, strategic partnerships flourished, and the University’s financial position advanced significantly, including an endowment of approximately $168 million, improved credit ratings, and reduced institutional debt. Equally importantly, President Fuentes has been a steadfast champion for military veterans and first‑generation students, while ensuring that academic excellence remains grounded in faith, service, and the formation of the whole person.
I invite you to join the Board in offering heartfelt gratitude to President Fuentes for her leadership and service, and in holding her in prayer during her sabbatical, that it may be a time of renewal and blessing. I also ask for your continued confidence, engagement, and support as we move forward together, rooted in faith, united in purpose, and confident in the future unfolding before us.
