Board of Trustee Chair Lawrence Lynch had announced on Tuesday that Rev. Scott Pilarz will return to fill the role of president later this year at the University of Scranton. Pilarz served as the 24th president from 2003 to 2011 before he left to become president at Marquette University in Milwaukee.
Rev. Kevin Quinn became the 25th president following Pilarz's transfer in 2011. Quinn is set to step down from the presidency position at the end of the academic year.
Pilarz was chosen after a national search that began in September. He was appointed by a committee that consists of trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni and administrators. He is currently president of the oldest Jesuit educational institution in the nation, Georgetown Preparatory School in Washington, D.C.
The University of Scranton was founded by Jesuits and has practiced the Jesuit tradition in academics and student life. During Pilarz's first time as president, he was known for building new buildings on campus. The university's campus grew under his leadership.
For his second term, he said that he will have a different focus toward academic excellence, faculty support, and affordability. He added that he wants the University of Scranton to become an affordable educational opportunity for people.
Senior student Mary Smith said that if the new president will make the school more affordable his brother might be able to afford to attend the university for the next academic year. Pilarz also aims to improve the university's relationship with the city of Scranton and plans to meet with Mayor Bill Courtright on Wednesday morning according to The WNEP.
There is no starting date yet as Pilarz works through the transition. There was no mention of salary as well. But according to The Times Leader, Quinn received $52,239 and King's College President the Rev. John Ryan had total compensation of $22,883.
