LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — The president of Marywood University in Lackawanna County has announced plans to retire.
Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., will retire on June 30, 2024, the school said on Thursday.
Sister Mary was installed as the 12th president of Marywood in 2016.
Marywood's endowment has nearly doubled during her eight-year tenure. Sister Mary is currently guiding the university's $30 million comprehensive campaign, which is set to conclude upon her retirement. The campaign is designed to fund new construction and academic spaces on campus, provide scholarships for students, and enhance the student experience.
The Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion, an addition to the O'Neill Healthy Families Center, which will house all students who study the Health Sciences, will be dedicated in May 2024.
Since 2016, several programs have expanded, including the Physician Assistant and Architecture programs, and several programs in Respiratory Therapy, Construction Management, and Biotechnology were launched.
Sister Mary also launched the Center for Law, Justice, and Policy for students in programs leading to legal-related professions.
The University established the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, out of which grew the Center for Truth and Racial Healing.
Last spring, the Living City Lab at Marywood University was established and dedicated to the memory of Jane Jacobs, an urbanist and activist from Scranton; this entity is housed in the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts.
Marywood plans a nationwide search for its next president.
