Show-Me State Times

Edward Feser, Ph.D., was inaugurated as the 34th president of Saint Louis University (SLU) on November 5, 2025, during a ceremony at Chaifetz Arena attended by students, faculty, staff, and delegates from more than 30 colleges and universities. The event coincided with the feast of All Saints and Blesseds of the Society of Jesus, a day that honors Jesuits and those who have embodied Ignatian values.

In his inaugural address, Feser emphasized the importance of building upon SLU’s tradition of teaching, research, and service while remaining faithful to its Jesuit mission. “We are graced with the opportunity — if we build our beautiful combination of teaching, research, and service distinctively and with fidelity to our Jesuit mission — to graduate ethical and inspiring doers,” Feser said. “Those SLU doers, drawing guidance from 500 years of saints and blesseds that we honor today, will help our city, state, and nation navigate wisely through a world both fraught with peril and rich with opportunity. If we succeed, the future will be bright for SLU, because we will have made it so.”

Feser acknowledged challenges facing higher education but noted SLU’s history of overcoming adversity throughout its 207-year existence. He reflected on both achievements and difficult moments in the university’s past: “We inherit the whole story: sinners, grave mistakes, and failures, but also saints, courageous corrective action, and triumphs,” he said.

He stressed that understanding this history is essential for progress. “Our belief in our progress, grounded in humility but bolstered by courage and optimism, is essential,” he said. “We are a university which strives to own its mistakes, to right its wrongs…to pursue rigor and excellence in all things…and to do right and to do good for our students, our city, and our country.”

Feser outlined his vision for SLU as an institution preparing students not only academically but also as leaders engaged with life’s broader questions. "Let’s ensure SLU is not just a place for the transmission of knowledge but is rather ‘a forum for the exploration of life’s mystery and meaning,’ via serious engagement with great literary works…that we’re helping every student build skill in leadership and entrepreneurship grounded in that unique exploration…that we…can provide,” he said.

He advocated expanding access beyond traditional undergraduates to include adult learners and those seeking alternative credentials. Feser also highlighted research as central to SLU's identity moving forward: “We need to become our own unique kind of research university,” he said. “Indeed…I believe we can lead others in defining what cutting-edge research grounded in Jesuit principles…looks like as we embark on our new era as an R1 institution…”

Feser addressed technological change affecting both students’ futures and university operations: “The same technological…revolution that we must prepare our students to shape…and harness is changing the nature of work in universities like ours,” he said.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe attended the inauguration ceremony expressing confidence in Feser's leadership: “Under Dr. Feser’s leadership…I am confident that this university will continue to be a light for the city…and for our entire state.” Kehoe added: “Dr. Feser brings…an impressive record of service…and leadership…he has dedicated his career to advancing knowledge that serves humanity…”

Holden Thorp Ph.D., trustee at SLU who previously worked alongside Feser at University of North Carolina delivered keynote remarks highlighting Feser's background growing up on America’s west coast national parks before embarking on his academic career leading him eventually to St Louis University: "These twin ideals compassion knowledge propel us forward...President Feser prepared lead us there...with his own Jesuit education stellar record academic accomplishment." Thorp continued: "Ed Feser has spent his life learning defending these traditions ideas...He didn’t come here by accident...Ed Feser is not president just any university...He’s president Saint Louis University."

Following formal presentations including transferal official symbols such as chain office vice chair Marian "Bo" Mehan (‘74 ‘82) university mace President Emeritus Fred P Pestello installation completed Eric Engler chairman Board Trustees remarked: "Dr Feser new Saint Louis University impressive record accomplishment suggests uniquely positioned lead us enhanced stature even greater impact...he fits right at this mission-focused student-centered research-driven University."

The theme for inauguration was Igniting Hope Growing Community reflecting focus hope possibilities within broader community context Ness Sandoval professor sociology stated: "Though future may unfold uncertainty shared Jesuit values grounded Examen continue guide reflection service scholarship along purposeful rewarding path journey together pilgrimages at SLU."