Board Affairs and University Strategy

I write to you as Chair of the Seton Hall University Board of Regents and an alumnus who dearly loves our university and admires the person now leading it, Monsignor Joseph Reilly. Recent news stories have falsely and unfairly portrayed him.

In 2018, following allegations of harassment of seminarians two decades earlier by the former archbishop, Theodore McCarrick, the Board and University commissioned a comprehensive review by the law firm Latham & Watkins. The review depended on the voluntary participation of many individuals, assured of confidentiality, in accordance with Title IX.

The Board reviewed the findings, and with the University, approved the implementation of personnel changes and improvements to the Seminary – University structure, and University compliance systems, including investing significant resources in its Title IX staff and policies. In August 2019, the key findings were announced, as well as the proactive measures endorsed by the Board, to the extent permissible under Title IX and University policy.

Following its review, the Board enthusiastically supported Monsignor Reilly, who participated in the Latham interviews, in holding leadership positions, and he remained in his role as Rector/Dean for the final 2.5 years of his second 5-year term. Thereafter, he applied for and took a sabbatical for which he was entitled to apply under the terms of his contract. Upon his return in 2023 he was promoted to Vice Provost of Academics and Catholic Identity. In 2024, after a national search, the Board elected Monsignor Reilly as the University’s 22nd president.

The Board has stood by and continues to stand by Monsignor and trusts his proven record of effective leadership. He is a faithful servant and the right person to lead Seton Hall.

On a personal note, I have known Monsignor Reilly for many years and witnessed his commitment to academic and student success and the infusion of our Catholic identity into all aspects of university life. As a priest, he has worked tirelessly to increase faith, hope, and peace in our community. His leadership has produced scores of dedicated priests who have done the same. Monsignor Reilly is a person of the highest integrity who has always acted to put the needs and well-being of others first. 

As the Seton Hall motto says, Hazard Zet Forward, and so we shall move forward under his leadership. I look forward to Monsignor Joseph Reilly leading our beloved University for many years to come. 

Sincerely,

Hank D’Alessandro ‘85
Chair
Seton Hall University Board of Regents