Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore announced Feb. 11 that Jesuit Father Brian F. Linnane, its president since 2005, will retire at the conclusion of the 2021-22 academic year.
“Serving as president of Loyola has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” Father Linnane said in a news release from the university. “This community and this university are dear to my heart, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved in advancing the education and experience we offer students, all while deepening our commitment to our Jesuit mission.”
According to a news release from the college, the Board of Trustees will begin a search for the next president, to fill the position by July 1, 2022.
“I feel that the time is now right to help Loyola prepare for this transition,” said Father Linnane, who turned 65 last August. “Strategic decisions are needed for the next chapter of Loyola’s history, and Loyola’s next president should guide that process to lead Loyola forward into the future.”
During his tenure, Father Linnane oversaw the name change from Loyola College to Loyola University Maryland; the opening of the School of Education; the transition of intercollegiate athletics to the Patriot League, which includes the U.S. Naval Academy and Army West Point; and the completion of the “Bright Minds, Bold Hearts” appeal, which exceeded its $100 million goal.
According to the university, under Father Linnane’s leadership, Loyola launched the York Road Initiative, doubled its endowment and emphasized diversity, equity and inclusion, including adding a chief equity and inclusion officer. He also inspired the vision for Messina, Loyola’s distinctive interdisciplinary living and learning program for first-year students.
According to the university, “Father Linnane set the tone for strengthening the university’s commitment to Baltimore in 2006 when he launched the Year of the City to reaffirm Loyola’s relationship with the city, celebrate its history and consider the role Loyola should play in addressing challenges faced by Baltimore.”
Construction projects during his presidency included the expansion and renovation of Loyola/Notre Dame Library, the construction of Thea Bowman Hall, the opening of the 6,000-seat Ridley Athletic Complex and the McClure Tennis Center off West Cold Spring Lane, the renovation and expansion of Donnelly Science Center, and the groundbreaking for the Miguel B. Fernandez Family Center for Innovation and Collaborative Learning, scheduled to open in fall 2021.
“Throughout his tenure, he has led with conviction and dedication to Loyola and our students, taking strategic steps to place Loyola on a path for future continued success,” said James Forbes, class of 1980, chairman of Loyola’s Board of Trustees. “Most recently, Father Linnane has navigated us through the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic with courage, compassion, and concern for every member of the community.”
A native of Massachusetts, Father Linnane came to Baltimore after serving as president of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. He holds degrees from Boston College, Georgetown University, the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley and Yale University.
In 2014, the university opened the Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., Alumni House, in his honor. In 2015, he received an honorary doctoral degree from Loyola. Upon retirement, Father Linnane will become president emeritus.
Also see:
Father Linnane named president of Loyola College in Maryland (2005)
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