Office of the President

With nearly 178 years of education excellence, our institution is rich in history. We are Chicago's oldest Catholic university and the first Mercy institution of higher learning in the United States. I am deeply inspired by the Catholic tradition and the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, who founded our University in 1846 with a mission to serve and make a positive difference in the lives of others. I see that same inspiration in our students, who are driven by passion and purpose as they carry on the legacy of service, innovation, and leadership that the Sisters laid the foundation for.

SXU students are exceptionally talented, and they care deeply about the world. As a community of higher learning, we are mission-driven and student-centered, and we are committed to providing a transformative educational experience to our students so they may go on to make positive, meaningful impacts in their careers and within their communities.

Saint Xavier's mission is to educate persons to search for truth, think critically, communicate effectively and serve wisely and compassionately in support of human dignity and the common good, and our dedicated faculty and supportive staff reflect the mission each day by providing students with high-quality, rigorous program curriculums, service-learning opportunities, and engaging educational and social programming. Our unique small-community experience offers students close mentorship and peer relationship-building opportunities.

Our campus is considered one the safest in Illinois, and we are among the most diverse college communities in the Midwest. Our students compete in 20 varsity sports and participate in over 40 cultural, academic, and service-oriented registered student organizations. They are involved both in and out of the classroom, and our community is committed to fostering a deep sense of belonging on campus and providing a dynamic learning environment that prepares our students for personal and professional success.

I encourage you to visit our beautiful campus or take the virtual tour. There's lots to learn about our history through the many significant sites and symbols to be found. I hope to see you on campus!

Warm regards,

Keith Elder, Ph.D.
President

 

President Keith Elder, Ph.D.