President Beth Paul to Conclude 6-year Tenure in June 2026

Navigated Nazareth Through COVID-19, Rising Challenges of Higher Ed Landscape, and Centennial Celebration

January 28, 2025 — Nazareth University announced today that Dr. Elizabeth Paul, the University's 10th president, will conclude her eventual 6-year tenure in that role in June 2026. Paul, who assumed the role in July 2020, informed the Nazareth Board of Trustees of her plans this week and communicated her intentions to students, faculty, staff, and alumni in an email stating, "My affection for Nazareth and my dedication to its future remains unwavering. As we progress together over the next year and a half, I am committed to launching Nazareth with positivity and determination into its second century and continuing our work with passion and purpose.”

John J. Drain, Chairman of the Nazareth University Board of Trustees, announced today that President Elizabeth Paul had informed the Board of her intention to remain in her current role until June 2026, after which she will conclude her service.

Drain praised President Paul as a tireless, dedicated, and insightful leader since 2020 when she tackled the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Paul also guided the Nazareth community through transitioning from a college to a university and its centennial, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the institution’s heritage and that of the founding Sisters of Saint Joseph. Nazareth University will forever benefit from Dr. Paul’s contributions as a champion of higher education. 

Drain also noted that, during her remaining tenure, Dr. Paul will be fully and wholly invested in achieving key institutional goals and capitalizing on Nazareth's many opportunities as it enters its second century. This time will also be invaluable in smoothly and effectively transitioning leadership to the forthcoming president.

Paul has had an accomplished career in higher education. She will have cumulatively served as university president for a decade at Nazareth and Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, along with more than 10 years of senior leadership experience and another 2 decades as a dedicated teacher-scholar.

Paul stated: “My life’s work has been centered on being a changemaker leader — working collaboratively to advance higher education and, through it, progress in society. My commitment to this mission remains as strong as ever. I remain passionate about higher education and its value, and I look forward to continuing to support higher education institutions, and to support, mentor, and encourage emerging leaders across the United States who will carry this vital work into the future.”

The Nazareth Board of Trustees will initiate a search process for the University’s next president in the coming months as we approach the 2025-26 academic year.

Letter from Beth Paul

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, and Alumni,

With a deep and heartfelt mix of emotions, I am writing to inform you that I will conclude my service as president of Nazareth University in June 2026.

This is a major decision for me personally and for Nazareth University as an institution. I reached this decision after much contemplation over the winter holidays, and I shared this news with our Board of Trustees earlier today. I am grateful for the Board’s strong support of my leadership, as well as their grace in supporting my decision.

I am guided by a simple but profound question: "Am I using myself well?" I believe the answer has been “yes,” and I want this to continue in my future endeavors.

By the end of the 2025-26 academic year, I will have had the honor of serving as university president for a decade, with a total of over 20 years of senior leadership experience in higher education, and a previous 20 years as a dedicated teacher-scholar. I will have served Nazareth as president for nearly 6 years.

My life’s work has been centered on being a changemaker leader — working collaboratively to advance higher education and, through it, progress in society. My commitment to this mission remains as strong as ever. The challenges faced by higher education and society continue to grow, and the road ahead is increasingly complex. I remain passionate about higher education and its value, and I look forward to continuing to support higher education institutions and to support, mentor, and encourage emerging leaders across the United States who will carry this vital work into the future.

Leadership continuity is crucial, particularly in challenging times, and so too are fresh perspectives and diverse leadership approaches that foster growth and innovation. It is my hope that this announcement — and the timeline for this transition — will provide the various Nazareth communities with the time and space to reflect thoughtfully and engage in honest dialogue about the leadership needed to guide Nazareth through the next chapter.

Nazareth’s leadership team is composed of exceptional, dedicated individuals who are fully aligned with our mission and vision. It is a high privilege to serve alongside such talented and courageous leaders. Our faculty and staff include such dedicated, skilled and passionate individuals who bring our shared mission to life every day. You have my high regard and gratitude, as well as my continuing partnership.

Students, you will continue to be the focus of my efforts in leading Nazareth, as I wake every morning in awe of you and inspired by the learning journey each of you is traveling. And alumni, having travelled the path that our current students are now on, please know how much I’ve enjoyed our collaboration and hearing about the success you’ve enjoyed and the progress you have forged as a result of your Nazareth education. And to the Sisters of St. Joseph - then and now - thank you for your prescience, strength and courage to continually form and foster social justice and progress through transformative education. We continue to follow your lead especially in times of deep questioning.

My affection for Nazareth and my dedication to its future remains unwavering. As we move forward together over the next year and a half, I am committed to launching Nazareth with positivity and determination into its second century, and to continuing our work with passion and purpose.

The Board of Trustees will initiate a search process for the University’s next president in the coming months. I look forward to working together with all to ensure a positive leadership transition and continue Nazareth’s positive momentum. This is a leadership commitment I have proudly held. I have poured my heart and soul into this role. I look forward to helping the next president prepare to do the same. 

With sincere gratitude and warmest regard,

Beth