New President at Niagara University

Niagara University announced today that the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., D.Min., currently the executive vice president for mission and student services at St. John’s University, would succeed the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., as 26^th president. Father Levesque announced in January that he would be resigning from his position at the conclusion of the current academic year.

The presidential transition will be official Aug. 1, 2013.

“It is great to be here today,” Father Maher acknowledged during today’s announcement to the university community. “I have been well prepared by my 22 years of administrative service at St. John’s University and am humbled at this opportunity, not just because of the role I have been asked to serve, but also because of where this role takes me – this great institution, Niagara University.

“The time will come for me to lay out a vision for Niagara’s future, but it will only happen after I have had the opportunity to actively listen to all of you. I say this – we Niagarans have a great story to tell. Niagara University is a bright, shining city on a hill, illuminated by great faculty and students, committed administrators and staff members who, by their example, make Niagara a special place with wonderful academic programs and a living mission.

“I stand before you in humility and gratitude in continuing to make the vision of St. Vincent de Paul a reality for Niagara University.”

Father Maher comes to Niagara following a 22-year career at St. John’s, including the last two as executive vice president for mission and student services. He has spent nearly three years as a member of Niagara University’s Board of Trustees, lending his expertise to committees on educational policy and finance.

Learn more about Father Maher here.