Elmira College announces appointment of new president

Elmira College has appointed Dr. John F. Dolan as its 16th president, effective July 1. The decision was made by a committee representing trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, and students, following a selection process. Dolan currently serves as Head of School at St. Mary's Lynn in Massachusetts, where he has nearly doubled enrollment and raised over $25 million annually. He has also established a transformative endowment and advanced a major campaign to secure the school's future. Dolan’s extensive leadership experience spans multiple institutions, including Simmons University, Le Moyne College, La Salle University, Drexel University, and the University of Denver. He holds a Doctor of Education from Drexel University, a master’s degree in Liberal Studies from the University of Denver, and a bachelor’s degree in Education from Benedictine College. His academic background includes teaching graduate-level courses at Drexel University and Boston University. In a statement, Dolan expressed his honor in joining Elmira College, citing its commitment to academic excellence and student success. He highlighted the importance of human connections and immersive learning in an era of artificial intelligence, emphasizing Elmira College’s role in fostering critical thinking and discernment. Dolan will work with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the Board of Trustees to advance the college’s mission and build on recent growth in enrollment and fundraising. Dolan will succeed Dr. Charles Lindsay, who announced his departure at the end of the 2025-26 school year. The transition marks a significant milestone for Elmira College, positioning it to further amplify its momentum and strengthen its educational impact in the region.