The Inauguration of Gerard J. Joyce, Ph.D.
The Mount St. Mary’s University community gathered on Saturday, April 12, to celebrate the inauguration of Gerard J. Joyce, Ph.D. (pictured right) as the 27th president of the university. The inauguration ceremony celebrated not only Joyce’s formal installation as president, but also his leadership and the university’s accomplishments since he joined the Mount in July 2024.
President Joyce’s first nine months at Mount St. Mary’s featured the approval of two new majors by the Maryland Higher Education Commission—graphic design and finance. He launched a strategic planning initiative and increased the university’s focus on mission-driven programming. The university also celebrated the opening of a new wing of the Coad Science Building, the Blue Peak Center for Applied Behavior Analysis, and the 25th anniversary of the Division of Continuing Studies. The Mount in November 2024 announced the addition of flag football as the 26th varsity team for the Mountaineers and in March 2005 won its first Metro Atlantic Athletic Association championship in an NCAA sport since moving to the conference nearly three years ago. The men’s basketball team’s conference championship resulted in a trip to the NCAA Tournament and a win in the First Four game.
“The Mount is moving forward fast, and I am excited by the opportunities and programs we are pursuing in undergraduate and graduate academics, athletics, student life, the seminary and the National Shrine Grotto,” said President Joyce. “With our strong values-based foundation in the Catholic intellectual tradition, we will advance this venerable university into the future.”
Prior to the Mount, Joyce served as executive vice president at DeSales University, where he worked for more than 30 years. As DeSales University’s first non-clergy president in university history, Joyce directed operating expenses and was instrumental in strategic planning and developing programs. During his tenure as interim president, DeSales experienced tremendous enrollment growth and enhanced its academic portfolio with revenue-generating academic programs.
Under his guidance as executive vice president, DeSales witnessed the largest first-year class for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022). Other notable achievements included securing over $40 million in scholarships and grants for students and managing the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His forward-thinking approach not only shaped the university’s landscape but also fortified the university’s mission and broadened its awareness. Joyce’s previous roles encompassed a wide array of responsibilities, from vice president for student life to dean of enrollment management. He left a lasting impact in each position through innovative student recruitment strategies, character-building programs and the establishment of international education initiatives.
The inauguration festivities began on Wednesday, April 9, with JerryFest 2025, an afternoon of fun, with food trucks, games, and music that honored the president. On Friday, the Mount faculty presented “Founded in Friendship, Growing Through Collaboration,” a symposium that reflected on the history, mission, and charism of the Mount. Following the symposium, an Inauguration Mass was celebrated at in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. Archbishop of Baltimore William E. Lori, S.T.D., S’77, celebrated Mass. Concelebrants included Msgr. Andrew Baker, vice president and seminary rector; Rev. Justin Gough, university chaplain; and Msgr. Richard B. Hilgartner, C’90, a member of the Mount St. Mary’s University Board of Trustees.
