Board of Trustees to launch national search

Bellarmine University’s president, Dr. Susan M. Donovan, announced that she will retire at the conclusion of her contract in Summer 2027. Her departure next year will conclude a decade of transformative leadership that has strengthened the university’s mission, expanded opportunity for students, and positioned Bellarmine for continued success. 

Donovan, who became Bellarmine’s fourth president in 2017, has guided the university through a period of strategic growth and national recognition, anchored by a steadfast commitment to student success and academic excellence, informed by the Catholic intellectual tradition.  

“Dr. Donovan’s leadership has been exemplary,” said Donald Kelly, chair of Bellarmine’s Board of Trustees. “Over the past decade, she has advanced a bold vision for Bellarmine rooted in student success and mission-driven excellence. From tough choices to strengthen our post-COVID financial foundation to elevating our academic profile and expanding opportunities for our students, her impact will be felt for generations. As we celebrate Bellarmine’s 75th anniversary, we are deeply grateful for her leadership in shaping both our present and our future.” 

During her tenure, Donovan led the development and implementation of the university’s strategic plan, Tradition & Transformation, approved in 2019. The plan has served as a guiding framework for institutional priorities, aligning academic innovation, student support, and operational strategy around a shared vision for the future.  

Under her leadership, Bellarmine elevated its athletics programs to NCAA Division I competition in 2020, aligned its academic offerings meet regional workforce needs, and strengthened its role as a key partner in Louisville’s economic and civic life.  

Donovan also led the university through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing a rapid transition to remote learning while maintaining continuity in the student experience and preserving institutional stability.  

Her tenure has been marked by record-setting philanthropic success, including the most successful fundraising year in Bellarmine’s history, and by significant institutional recognition. Most notably, Bellarmine earned designation as a Carnegie “Opportunity College – Higher Access, Higher Earnings,” placing it among a select group of institutions nationally recognized for fostering student success and advancing economic mobility.  It also earned the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification in 2025. 

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve Bellarmine University and the remarkable community that defines it over the past decade,” Donovan said. “This institution’s commitment to educating students in mind, body, and spirit – and to preparing them for meaningful lives and rewarding careers – has guided every decision we’ve made. Together, we have strengthened Bellarmine’s foundation and expanded its impact, and I am confident the university’s best days are ahead. This work has been the pinnacle of my career.” 

Donovan added that this was the right time to step away, noting that her plan when she accepted the Bellarmine presidency was to work for 10 years before retiring from higher education.  

Bellarmine’s Board of Trustees will launch a comprehensive national search for the university’s next president in the coming year. Additional details about the search process, timeline, and opportunities for community engagement will be announced at the start of the 2026-27 academic year. 

Prior to her presidency at Bellarmine, Donovan spent more than three decades at Loyola University Maryland, where she served as executive vice president and, for a period, as acting president. Her time at Loyola helped shape her leadership philosophy and deep commitment to cura personalis – care for the whole person.  

“My years at Loyola University Maryland were formative in every sense,” Donovan said. “That community instilled in me a deep appreciation for Jesuit values, shared governance, and the importance of fostering environments where students and colleagues can thrive. Those experiences have profoundly influenced my work at Bellarmine and my belief in the transformative power of higher education.” 

 

Dr. Susan M. Donovan 

A Decade of Leadership – Key Accomplishments at Bellarmine 

Strategic Plan 
Dr. Donovan led the development and implementation of Bellarmine’s 2019 strategic plan, Tradition & Transformation, which has served as the university’s guiding framework for the past decade. The plan aligned academic innovation, student success, and operational priorities, ensuring disciplined decision-making and measurable institutional progress. 

Elevating Athletics to NCAA Division I 
Under Donovan’s leadership, Bellarmine successfully transitioned to NCAA Division I competition in 2020, joining the Atlantic Sun Conference, where she chaired the Council of Presidents for three years. This bold move enhanced the university’s national visibility, strengthened school spirit, and expanded opportunities for student-athletes. 

Record-Breaking Fundraising and Campaign Momentum 
Donovan oversaw unprecedented philanthropic growth, including the most successful fundraising year in Bellarmine’s history, with more than $18 million raised. Her leadership has also helped build strong momentum for the university’s comprehensive fundraising campaign during its 75th anniversary year. The campaign, which launched last October, has raised $66 million of its $75 million goal so far. 

National Recognition as an Opportunity College 
Bellarmine earned designation as an “Opportunity College and University – Higher Access, Higher Earnings,” placing it among a select group of institutions nationally recognized for fostering student success and advancing economic mobility. This distinction reflects the university’s commitment to access, affordability, and strong student outcomes.  

Delivering Unrivaled Career Outcomes for Graduates 
Under Donovan’s leadership, Bellarmine strengthened its position as a leader in career readiness and student outcomes. Consistently, 99% of graduates are employed or pursuing advanced education within six months of commencement, with 97% working in their field of interest, an outcome that is 15% higher than the average for all U.S. colleges and universities. 

Leadership Through the COVID-19 Pandemic 
Donovan guided Bellarmine through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading a rapid transition to remote learning in just one week while maintaining academic continuity and student support. Her steady leadership ensured the university remained resilient and mission-focused during a period of global disruption.  

Strengthening Financial Health and Institutional Stability 
Early in her presidency, Dr. Donovan improved Bellarmine’s financial standing by reducing debt and increasing the university’s endowment. These early efforts created a stronger financial foundation to support long-term growth and strategic investment, and helped the university navigate the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Expanding Campus and Strategic Assets 
The university expanded its physical footprint with the acquisition of the Watterson Medical Center, strengthening Bellarmine’s presence in healthcare education and community partnerships. This investment reflects a broader strategy of aligning campus resources with academic and workforce priorities.  

Advancing Community Engagement and Regional Impact 
Under her leadership, Bellarmine deepened its role as a community partner in Louisville and beyond, strengthening relationships with employers, civic organizations, and regional leaders. This work reinforced the university’s mission as a private institution serving the common good and contributed to national recognition for community engagement.  

Deepening Catholic Identity and Mission 
Donovan consistently emphasized Bellarmine’s Catholic identity, rooted in the inclusive spirit of Thomas Merton and the tradition of educating students in mind, body, and spirit. Her leadership strengthened campus ministry, mission integration, and a shared commitment to forming ethical, compassionate leaders.  

Expanding Access and Diversifying the Student Body 
Bellarmine made significant progress in enrolling a more diverse and representative student population, including first-generation students and those eligible for Pell Grants. This commitment to access reflects the university’s mission and contributes to its strong outcomes in student success and upward mobility.