Office of the President

Dear Seton Hall Community,

I am writing to announce that Provost and Senior Executive Vice President Katia Passerini, Ph.D., has accepted a new position as president of Gonzaga University. Her last day at Seton Hall will be June 30.

Dr. Passerini joined our community nearly five years ago — during the first months of COVID — and immediately contributed to achieving the University’s safe and successful course forward.

As provost, she led a host of major initiatives, including the Seeds of Innovation administrative restructuring plan. Under her leadership, Academic Affairs established several degree programs and partnerships; energized research through Interdisciplinary Academies; and sharpened the University’s focus on international education.

She was the natural choice to lead Seton Hall as interim president in 2023-24. In this interim capacity, rather than merely maintain day-to-day operations, she elevated the University in significant ways. Her tenure saw the completion of a critical faculty compensation study update and our highly successful Middle States reaccreditation process, among other achievements.

I will work with members of the Executive Cabinet in the coming days and weeks to ensure a smooth leadership transition in Academic Affairs and launch a comprehensive search for the next full-time provost.

On a personal note, having observed Dr. Passerini as part of the Academic Affairs team, I appreciated her innovative approach and unwavering dedication to student and faculty success. Every decision she made was rooted in faith and wisdom, placing the best interests of Seton Hall first. Quoting Galatians 6:7, as each of us reaps what we sow, Dr. Passerini reaped the esteem and loyalty of everyone in her office.

I have been likewise grateful to work with her as a member of my Executive Cabinet over the past several months. It was a comfort to rely on her experience and support as I acclimated myself to the responsibilities of serving as University President.

All of us at Seton Hall are better off thanks to her years of dedicated service. Her zeal and joyful presence will certainly be missed.

Please join me in showing our appreciation to Dr. Passerini for all she has done for the University, and wishing her every success at Gonzaga.

Yours truly in the Lord Jesus,

Monsignor Joseph Reilly
President