Devin Owen
MSMU Class of 2026

(4/13) On April 11th, Mount St. Mary’s University officially welcomed Gerard "Jerry" J. Joyce, PhD. into the Mount community with a series of inauguration events. The rainy weather did little to dull the spirit of the community as they welcomed Joyce with open arms and hearts as the Mount’s 27th President.

Prior to his presidency at the Mount, Joyce served as the first non-clergy president in history at DeSales University, his Alma Mater, with his official title being the executive vice president at DeSales University, which he worked for more than 30 years. Within his time at DeSales, Joyce was in charge of directing operating expenses and was instrumental in strategic planning and developing programs. With Joyce in charge, DeSales saw an extreme increase in enrollment, as well as advancement in academic portfolio given the revenue-generating academic programs.

Joyce holds a doctorate in education administration and policy studies from The Catholic University of America. He has also earned a master’s degree in education from Kutztown University and his bachelor’s degree in finance from DeSales University. Joyce has also previously served as chair of the Allentown Diocese Board of Education for eight years.

Joyce began his term as President at the start of the 2024 fall semester. He has created a close-knit relationship with the entirety of the Mount community very easily and strives to continue to show that he is "Mount proud"! Within his first few months at the Mount, he approved the implementation of two new majors for students: graphic design and finance. He also worked to increase the university’s focus on mission-driven programming. Now nearing the end of his first year as President, the Mount has seen numerous advancements in sports, academics, and their community as a whole, including the opening of the expansion of the university’s science building.

The Presidential Inauguration itself took place on April 12 but was preceded by an array of events. To begin the celebration of inauguration week, the Mount community put on "Jerry Fest," a celebration of President Joyce led by the students. This event took place on Wednesday, April 9th and invited students to celebrate the upcoming inauguration through an afternoon of fun with food trucks, games, music, and inflatables to honor the president. Even the heavy winds couldn’t keep away students and staff members.

In a social media post following the week of festivities, Joyce shared his sentiments and his encouragement from his wife Erin, "At Saturday’s inauguration ceremony, I asked everyone to celebrate my steadfast partner through every triumph and challenge, my wife Erin. Erin was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the beginning of my presidency in July. Despite her adversity, her courage, resilience and unwavering support have been a daily source of strength for me." He continues on to say, "She inspires me to lead with purpose."

As Joyce’s first year draws to a close, the university community continues to rally behind his leadership, looking ahead with hope and momentum for what’s to come. With his vision and leadership already making an impact, the Mount community looks forward with confidence and excitement to what lies ahead under his guidance.