Saint Joseph’s University will soon have the longest-tenure president of the Philadelphia area’s five largest colleges.

As a result, St. Joe’s is charting a long-term path guided by its sense of stability, writes Ryan Mulligan for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Cheryl McConnell was named the university’s president over a year ago.

During her relatively brief tenure so far, she has ushered in a new era for the university as it undergoes a transformation and integrates the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences programs into its offerings.

“I don’t know anything else but rapid growth and rapid change — and that’s the future of higher education,” said McConnell. “Since I came to St. Joe’s over five years ago, that’s what I’ve experienced. And quite frankly, that’s what I enjoy.”

Looking forward, St. Joe’s will strive to further its enrollment amid a shrinking pool of students.

Combined with students from the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, St. Joe’s enrollment is at around 9,000.

In addition, the university will look to evolve its footprint with its $300 million development projects. This includes a walkway, renovations to the field hockey pitch, and an overhaul of the school’s 72,000-square-foot fitness and recreation center.

Read more about St. Joseph’s University and its future outlook in the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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