Morristown, N.J. (September 15, 2020) – Saint Elizabeth University President, Helen J. Streubert, Ed.D., today announced she will retire from her post at the end of this academic year. Streubert has agreed to remain as the University's seventh president during the search for a successor to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership.

After becoming the first lay president on July 1, 2013, Streubert guided the 121-year-old institution through a period of dramatic transformation focused on continuing to provide a high-quality education to those who may not have had access to one. This included transitioning to fully coeducational in 2016 with a platform that continued the commitment to the development of women's leadership and becoming a university in July 2020.

"It has been an honor to serve the Saint Elizabeth University community and continue the mission started by our foundresses, the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth," Streubert said. "The core values of integrity, social responsibility, leadership and excellence permeate every aspect of the institution with students, faculty and staff demonstrating these values every day in all that they do. I could not be prouder to pass this legacy along to the next president."

SEU Board of Trustees Chair Elizabeth M. Renyi announced that a presidential search will begin immediately, led by Board Member Gailon W. McGowen, Jr. and the executive committee. Renyi added her deep appreciation for Streubert's commitment and accomplishments.

"Helen Streubert came to Saint Elizabeth during a challenging time for the institution. Her energy, drive, dedication and vison have helped transform it into the University it is today," Renyi said. "I also thank her for the leadership provided during past six months. While the impact of COVID-19 has been felt universally, higher education has been hit especially hard. However, we are poised to emerge stronger than before and be well-positioned for the next chapter in the SEU story."


During Streubert's tenure, the University raised a total of $24.4 million and successfully completed $11.8 million in campus renovations, including the creation of the Anastasia Health Sciences Center and a state-of-the art clinical simulation lab.


Under her leadership, the University added a number of new programs, including the doctorate in Educational Leadership with a Higher Education Concentration (Ed.D.), Master of Science in Physician Assistant, Master of Science in Data Analytics, Master of Arts in Social Media Design and Management, Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Analysis, Master of Public Health (MPH), Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Science in Computer Software Engineering and a four-year prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Renyi stressed that the board's top priority is to conduct a national search for a new president, as well as enable the new leadership to continue the mission and vision of Saint Elizabeth University. The search process will include opportunities for input from stakeholders from throughout the SEU community such as students, alumni, faculty and staff.

Streubert serves on the boards of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey, New Jersey Independent College Fund, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, New Jersey President's Council, YES WE MUST Coalition and Academic Search, and is a member of the Colonial States Athletic Conference. She also has chaired accreditation teams for New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Additional details about the search process will be announced when available.