With nearly 100 undergraduate, 140 graduate programs and many more minors, concentrations
and certificates, Saint Louis University offers a truly personalized experience.
Our Catholic, Jesuit Identity: Learn how SLU’s Catholic, Jesuit identity shapes how
we teach and serve.
Office of the President
President Edward Feser, Ph.D.
As president of Saint Louis University, Dr. Edward Feser leads a global Jesuit research
university with campuses in St. Louis and Madrid. One of only 52 private R1 institutions
in the country, SLU has more than 15,000 students and 4,000 employees, an annual operating
budget of more than $600 million, and an endowment of $1.9 billion.
Edward Feser, Ph.D., Saint Louis University's 34th president
Following an extensive national search, Dr. Feser became the 34th president of Saint
Louis University on July 1, 2025.
Rooted in his Roman Catholic faith and shaped by his Jesuit education at the University
of San Francisco, Dr. Feser’s leadership journey has been defined by a steadfast belief
in the power of education to transform lives and contribute to flourishing communities.
A noted scholar of city and regional economic growth and development, Dr. Feser most
recently served as Provost and Executive Vice President at Oregon State University,
where his accomplishments include increased student access and success, elevated research
impact, successful fundraising initiatives, and innovative community partnerships.
As SLU president, he is committed to prioritizing the success of every student, building
the university’s growing research enterprise with bold choices and focus, enhancing
the agility and effectiveness of university operations, and collaborating with community
partners to foster a thriving city and region for all.
"Working together and in fellowship, we will build on SLU's remarkable history and
recent achievements to serve the greater — and common — good."
— President Edward Feser, Ph.D.
Committed to Excellence, Service, and Community
Throughout his distinguished career in higher education, Dr. Feser’s leadership has
been inspired by the Jesuit tradition of fostering community, nurturing the potential
of every person, and taking innovative action to serve the common good.
“I am deeply grateful to Dr. Feser for his willingness to serve in such an important
role," said Thomas P. Greene, S.J., the provincial superior of the Jesuits USA Central
and Southern Province, following Dr. Feser's appointment. "His experience as a scholar
and administrator makes him uniquely qualified to lead a place as complex as SLU.
But even more, I was heartened to hear of his desire to use education to engender
hope in the young, his commitment to the University being leaven for the city, and
his dedication to the University's Jesuit, Catholic identity.”
As a leader, Dr. Feser has sought to elevate — through connection and innovation —
all facets of a university’s mission to advance research, educate students, expand
access and serve local communities. During his tenure as Provost and Executive Vice
President at Oregon State University, he:
Led the development and implementation of strategic plans focused on student success, groundbreaking research and institutional innovation.
Championed bold initiatives, including a $213 million Collaborative Innovation Complex — now under construction
— to foster interdisciplinary research, powered by artificial intelligence and accelerated
computing, and expanding arts and humanities programs.
Expanded access and support for students from all backgrounds, with a focus on ensuring that every single student has the resources
they need to succeed.
Implemented a new shared responsibility budget model to advance transparency and financial stability.
Drawing on his background in city and regional economic development, Dr. Feser strongly
believes that all universities must be partners in serving and improving the well-being
of the communities they call home. His community-focused efforts have included the
launch of a downtown hub in Portland, Oregon, and the development of a campus-based
innovation district in Bend, Oregon. He has served on numerous boards and commissions
to address economic development, workforce strategies and public policy challenges.
Background
The son of a National Park ranger, Dr. Feser grew up in the Pacific Northwest and
attended a Catholic high school in Red Bluff, California. His wife of 34 years, Kathy,
is a civil engineer-turned-educator who has led sustainability efforts for a school
district in Oregon. They have two adult children, Jack and Mary.
