Marywood University’s new president will be the first layperson to serve in the office at the Catholic college.
Attorney Lisa Lori, a Marywood graduate and former Board of Trustees chair, will begin her term as president on July 1, the university announced on Tuesday.
"We've known for some years that our next president would likely be a layperson," said Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, chair of the university's board of trustees. "We were looking to find someone who would...understand the importance of Catholic identity of Marywood University, but also one who was steeped in the values of the IHM sisters. We found that person in Lisa Lori."
Lori will succeed Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., who has served as Marywood’s president since 2016 and is retiring on June 30.
Lori is a Pittston Twp. native. She is a partner with Philadelphia-based firm Klehr, Harrison, Harvey, Branzburg LLP and has represented national and international businesses.
She was also a founder and co-chair of her firm’s higher education and healthcare industry practice groups, according to a release from the university.
Lori will be the university’s 13th president when she takes the reins in July, and said she is excited to move Marywood forward.
"My goal is to have Marywood thrive," she said on Tuesday. "I think there's a ton of untapped potential."
In the release, the university notes Lori "makes history as Marywood's first lay president." Only Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary have held the office in the university's history.
Lori said she is excited to "pave the path" in her historic role.
Marywood University was founded in 1915 by the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Lunsmann said the demographics of people entering religious life has changed over the last 20 years.
"There's fewer...women who are entering congregations such as the IHM sisters," she said. "This was something we had been preparing for."
Higher education is changing as well, Lunsmann said. More and more institutions are looking outside academia to fill leadership roles.
"All across the United States we're seeing less traditional people becoming university presidents," she said. "Somebody who is trained in the legal profession brings a different dimension to university leadership."
Lori says one of her first challenges will be addressing declining enrollment. She hopes to expand Marywood’s geographical reach and raise awareness of the school among more potential students.
"What I used to always hear...is that Marywood is the best kept secret. We are no longer going to be the best kept secret," she said. "I think there's a great opportunity for us to bring in non-traditional students and increase our diversity."
And, she said, she's excited to move back home to Northeastern Pennsylvania.
"I love Scranton. I grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania and I still look forward to coming back," she said. "Every time I come back, I just add more love."
