Board Extends President Linda LeMura’s Term to June 2028; Will Become Le Moyne College’s Longest Tenured President in December

Le Moyne’s Board of Trustees recently approved a two-year extension for President Linda LeMura, extending her contract through June 30, 2028. Her previous contract was set to run through June 2026.

In December 2025, Dr. LeMura will become the longest serving president in Le Moyne’s history, surpassing William L. Reilly, S.J. , who served as the College’s fifth president from 1964 to 1975. Dr. LeMura was unanimously appointed by the Board as the College’s 14th president in 2014.

“As the first female layperson to serve as president of a Jesuit college or university in the U.S., it’s fitting that Linda will soon make history as Le Moyne’s longest-serving president,” said Board of Trustees Chair Chris Curtis ’79. “Her work over the past 11 years has been stellar, and she has proven time and again to be an innovative, respected and inspirational leader. Linda is a passionate student of the higher education sector, and she has used her knowledge and insights to Le Moyne’s advantage. Last year Linda was invited to serve as commencement speaker at Gonzaga University and the College of the Holy Cross – testament to the respect with which she is viewed on the national stage. The trustees look forward to Linda’s continuing leadership and her ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and success.”

“I am honored to serve as president of this college and work alongside colleagues across campus to transform the lives of so many students through an excellent education in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition,” said President LeMura. “Much like the past 11 years, Father Reilly’s time leading Le Moyne was marked by great change, not only on the Heights but in the country and the world. As we anticipate an era of significant challenges and opportunities over the next few years, I’m humbled by the faith placed in me by the board to ensure a thriving and resilient future for our entire College community. At Le Moyne, I am surrounded by people who are resilient, innovative and dedicated to the mission. People are Le Moyne’s greatest resource, and I look forward to this opportunity to serve the College.”

A first-generation college student, daughter of Italian immigrants and Syracuse native, Dr. LeMura came to Le Moyne as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 2003, serving four years in the role before being named provost and vice president for academic affairs in 2007. She was provost until becoming president in 2014.

Le Moyne has achieved extraordinary success under her leadership, including record-breaking enrollment and fundraising. She oversaw the successful completion of the $100 million Always Forward campaign, the largest in the College’s 78-year history, which contributed to growth of the College’s endowment to more than $ 300 million. Other highlights include the enrollment of eight historically large, talented classes and the 2022 reclassification to Division I intercollegiate athletics. She also successfully led Le Moyne through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. LeMura co-chairs the Regional Economic Development Committee (REDC) and was actively engaged in the Central New York’s efforts to build Micron’s microchip manufacturing facility, which will result in a $100 billion investment over the next 20 years. The College has developed a new bachelor’s degree in applied physics with a concentration in semiconductors. Pending approval by the Faculty Senate Executive Board later this month, the program will be submitted to the New York State Department of Education for approval. A second concentration in material science will be added shortly. In addition, the College is planning for master’s degrees in engineering management and cybersecurity, and continues to assess other offerings that will meet student and workforce demand. The College’s ERIE 21 program has partnered with Micron and other technology companies on various initiatives, including Micron’s Chip Camp the past two summers.

During Dr. LeMura’s tenure, the College received naming gifts for the Purcell School of Professional Studies, the Carroll College of Arts and Sciences, the McNeil Institute for Risk and Uncertainty, the Poland Jesuit Center for Research and Teaching Innovation, and the Bosch Teaching and Learning Center.  New programs include the College’s first two doctoral programs, an Ed.D. in Executive Leadership and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Master’s programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Occupational Therapy and Family Nurse Practitioner have been launched in recent years, and 21 endowed professorships, chairs and faculty fellowships have been added during her time as president.