Lewis University President Set To Retire At End Of Academic Year

ROMEOVILLE, IL — The Lewis University Board of Trustees has announced that President David Livingston, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year, marking a decade of distinguished leadership and service, according to a release from the university.

“On behalf of the Board, I extend our profound gratitude to Dr. Livingston for his steadfast commitment to Lewis University’s Catholic and Lasallian mission,” Tim Ferrarell, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said in a release. “Following the twenty-eight-year legacy of Brother James Gaffney, FSC, Dr. Livingston stepped into a role of great responsibility and has guided Lewis with vision, distinction, and purpose while charting a course for continued growth and success.”

Livingston reached his decision after a period of reflection and family consultation this summer.

“Serving Lewis University has been among the greatest honors of my career in higher education,” Livingston said. “I am deeply grateful to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, the Christian Brothers, and friends of the University for their partnership. In this final year, I remain committed to advancing student success and strengthening the Lasallian mission that animates all we do.”

According to a release, since joining Lewis in 2016, Livingston has led the University through a period of transformative achievement. His tenure includes record enrollment, a doubling of the endowment, the most successful fundraising campaign in Lewis’s history—raising more than $50 million—the launch of innovative academic programs, major investments in campus facilities, and the successful merger with St. Augustine College.

“A significant reflection of Dr. Livingston’s leadership is that Lewis is so well positioned for an exciting future,” added Ferrarell. “We are grateful that his energy, presence, and dedication will continue to guide us through this upcoming year.”

The Board of Trustees will share further details on the search for the University’s eleventh president in the weeks ahead, according to the university.