Presidential Search
The Presidential Search
In February 2025, President Beth Paul announced her intention to step down as president at the end of her sixth year in June 2026. The Board of Trustees has initiated preparations for a presidential search during the Academic Year 2025–2026, including hiring search consultant DSG Storbeck.
In an August 20 letter to the Nazareth community, Trustee Chair John Drain announced the appointment of DSG Storbeck, a search committee chaired by former Nazareth trustee Sergio Esteban, and the expected timeline for the search.
Information about the formation of the search committee, leadership profile, and timeline will be shared here and with the Nazareth community.
Presidential Profile
The Board of Trustees at Nazareth University seeks a visionary, mission-focused, results oriented leader to serve as the institution's 11th president. The ideal candidate will model Nazareth’s values, provide dynamic leadership, and establish strong working relationships with key constituent groups both internally and externally. The next president will collaboratively build and articulate a comprehensive unifying vision to meet the challenges the University and higher education face in the 21st century.
Search Committee
- Sergio Esteban (Chair), Former Trustee
- Ryan Feltner ‘05, Trustee and alumnus
- Roger Friedlander, Trustee
- Anne McCaffrey ‘89, Trustee and alumna
- Sister Mary Louise Mitchell, Trustee
- Allison Pratt, Trustee
- Miguel Velazquez, Trustee
- Jeanne Coonan, Adjunct Professor, School of Music
- Stephen Demanchick, Chair of the Creative Arts Department, Director of the Play Therapy Center
- Machesssa Samz, Associate Professor, Philosophy Department
- Sam Song, Associate Professor, Education Department
- Ann Yockey ‘77, Alumna
- Jamie Fazio, Director and University Chaplain
- Caroline Tolbert, Director of Major and Planned Gifts
- Yousuf George, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts & Design
- Kristen Green, Associate Vice President for Finance and Controller
- Gianluca Antonini, Undergraduate Student
- Maria Consamus, Graduate Student
- Ex Officio Members
- Damika Arnold, Chief People Officer
- Sean Falzarano, Executive Assistant of the Office of the President and Board Professional
Timeline
- Early September 2025
Community-wide listening sessions, development of leadership profile - September 2025
Launch of the national search - September to November 2025
Candidate recruitment, semifinalist selection, and interviews - December to January 2026
Finalists selection and interviews, recommendations to the Board of Trustees, and approval of the president by the Board of Trustees
News & Updates
Recent communications to the campus:
- Presidential Search Update (September 23, 2025) – Presidential Profile Finalized, National Advertising Placements
- Presidential Search Update (August 20, 2025) – Search Committee Announced, Listening Sessions Scheduled, and More
- Presidential Search Update (May 21, 2025) - Message from Chair of the Board John Drain
Search Survey
We invite you to share your thoughts on the qualities and priorities that matter most in the next president of Nazareth University.
Nominations
If you have questions or would like to share a nomination, please contact DSG Storbeck:
Steve Leo, Managing Director
Vicki Henderson, Senior Associate
610‐572‐4296 | NazPresident@dsgco.com
Frequently Asked Questions
The Nazareth University Board of Trustees provides information by email and on this webpage to keep everyone informed and engaged in the presidential search process.
Why is a presidential search being conducted?
President Beth Paul has announced plans to step down from her role in June 2026. We are grateful for her leadership and contributions, and we are beginning the process of identifying the next president to guide Nazareth into the future.
Who oversees the search process?
The Nazareth University Board of Trustees is responsible for the presidential search. A presidential search committee, composed of faculty, staff, students, and trustees in partnership with an executive search firm, will lead the process of identifying, vetting, and recommending final candidates to the Board.
How will the Search Committee be formed?
The 18-member Search Committee consists of six active members of the Board of Trustees, four faculty members, four staff members, two students, and one Alumna. The Committee incorporates representatives from across the University’s diverse constituencies and is committed to ensuring the continuation of the vital work that happens at Nazareth today, as well as the University’s growth and success in the future.
Will the campus community have a voice in the process?
Yes. Inclusivity is a priority. We will invite input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners through listening sessions, open forums, and surveys. Your feedback will help shape the leadership profile and inform the search criteria.
How can I nominate someone for the presidency?
If you have an individual (or individuals) whom you would like to nominate for the presidency, you can share their name and contact information with our DSG Storbeck team directly and confidentially at NazPresident@dsgco.com.
Will the search be confidential or open?
To attract the most qualified candidates, we will conduct a confidential search. Therefore, we are unable to provide the community at large with any identifying information about the candidates going forward. We do anticipate that our final candidates will meet with small groups of key University stakeholders, and to that end, we will begin the process of identifying those groups in the months ahead. All those participating in meetings with the final candidates will be asked to sign a non-disclosure/confidentiality form, as did all members of the Search Committee and the Board.
How long will the search take?
The search is expected to take several months, with a goal to announce the new president in Spring 2026. The timeline is flexible to ensure the best outcome.
What is the role of the search firm?
Nazareth has partnered with a nationally recognized executive search firm, DSG Storbeck. They will assist with candidate recruitment, screening, and ensuring a thorough, equitable process.
How will the final decision be made?
The Presidential Search Committee will recommend finalists to the Board of Trustees, which holds the final authority to appoint the next president of Nazareth University.
Where can I find updates?
We will regularly post updates on this site and through campus-wide emails.
Who can I contact with questions?
For questions or input related to the presidential search process, please contact: DSG Storbeck, NazPresident@dsgco.com.