St. Ambrose Names New President, Sr. Joan Lescinski, CSJ, PhD

With Dr. Edward Rogalski, SAU's beloved leader for two decades, retiring, St. Ambrose University has named his successor, its first woman president in the 125 year history of the institution.

Sister Joan Lescinski has served for nearly a decade as president of the oldest Catholic liberal arts women's college in the country. During her tenure, she led significant development, enrollment and program initiatives, including leading a record capital endowment campaign which raised $25 million, exceeding the goal by 20%.

According to the press release, Dr. Rogalski noted:

"'As difficult as it will be to leave the presidency of this wonderful institution, I could not be more pleased with the selection of Sister Joan as St. Ambrose’s new president. She is an exceptional individual with the qualifications and experience to lead this great university, of which I am so very proud. I pledge my full support to Sister Joan and will work closely with her as the university makes this key transition.'”


Dr. Rogalski will be a tough act to follow. I remember attending his inauguration and working with him when I was president of the MBA Senate during his first years in office. One of the first changes was to elevate St. Ambrose from College to University, setting the stage for the phenomenal growth the institution was to experience during the next two decades of Rogalski's leadership.

The press release detailed some of the successes during Rogalski's tenure, including the addition of 40 academic programs, including the first doctoral degrees, enrollment growth of more than 70%, 15 new construction or major renovation projects worth $67 million, growth in endowment by 650%, all while maintaining a balanced budget for the past 20 years.

I had a chance to talk with Dr. Rogalski last year in Scottsdale. He told me that after his retirement he intends to continue his service to the community working with leading service organizations to raise funds and create social initiatives.

Best wishes to Dr. Rogalski on his retirement and Congratulations and welcome to Sister Joan Lescinski.

Labels: academia, SAU, St.Ambrose.University