On Feb. 11, President Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., announced his decision to retire at the close of the 2021-22 academic year via email. Linnane said: 

“Jesuits make decisions through reflection and discernment, and in recent years I have been discerning the right moment to retire. In such a fast-paced world, as the challenges facing higher education—and Loyola, specifically—have been evolving, I have considered how to plan for the transition from my tenure to another president. The time has never felt right.”

The president explained when the pandemic reached the United States a year ago, he put his thoughts of retirement aside, recognizing Loyola needed stability and knowledge as everyone navigated unchartered territory. Linnane admitted there were anxieties during this time, but he feels the University has remained fruitful, thanks to the way students, faculty, staff, and administrators have supported one another. 

Linnane felt now to be the right time for his retirement, as the University has welcomed students for in-person classes and reopened campuses. He said: 

“The Board of Trustees has accepted my request to retire on June 30, 2022, and James Forbes, chair of the Board of Trustees, will be in touch on the heels of this announcement with more information for our Loyola community. Strategic decisions are needed for the next chapter of Loyola’s history, and the next president should guide that process to lead Loyola forward into the future.”

In an email sent on behalf of the Board of Trustees minutes after Linnane’s, information about the search process was shared. James Forbes ‘80, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said:

“The Board of Trustees will form a search committee and immediately begin a search for the University’s next president with the goal of filling the role no later than July 1, 2022. This is a critical moment in higher education and for Loyola, and the Board of Trustees recognizes that the next president must be an individual who can build on Fr. Linnane’s legacy, while also advancing and re-envisioning the University for a post-COVID world.”

Forbes plans to share updates throughout the search. He also said the board will be seeking feedback from members of the Loyola community to identify key characteristics to look for in Loyola’s next president. 

Additionally, Forbes shared some of Linnane’s achievements, recalling he became president in 2005 and has been involved in many changes since then. Linnane oversaw the opening of the School of Education, the University’s transition to the Patriot League, the completion of the Bright Minds, Bold Hearts comprehensive campaign, and inspired the vision for Messina. He also launched the York Road Initiative and aimed to place more focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

“Serving as president of Loyola has been one of the greatest joys of my life. This community and this university are dear to my heart, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved in advancing the education and experience we offer students, all while deepening our commitment to our Jesuit mission. The Board of Trustees has unanimously voted to designate me as President Emeritus upon my retirement, and I will be honored to accept that title,” Linnane said. 

Linnane will continue as president through the rest of this academic year and the next. He shared he looks forward to “many opportunities to see our students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and friends.”

Keep up-to-date with The Greyhound for information about the latest happenings at Loyola University Maryland.