As with most things here on the Hilltop, the role of President at Saint Anselm College has a long and storied history, dating back to 1893, just four years after the school’s original inception in 1889. Since then, the college has seen ten different presidents lead its mission, with the 11th and current president, Dr. Joseph A. Favazza, recently signing a new contract that ensures his leadership role at the college and within the community will continue for the coming years. However, the logistics involved in sustaining the presidency extend far beyond a mere wave of a wand and an affirming pat on the back.

Dr. Favazza was appointed President of Saint Anselm College in 2019 after serving as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Stonehill College. His leadership has been marked by significant initiatives that aim to evolve the campus landscape. Notably, he has championed the construction of the Jean School of Nursing & Health Sciences and spearheaded the ambitious “Vision 2030” initiative, which seeks to redefine the educational framework of the college, expand pre-existing institutions, establish new programs and scholarships, and increase diversity on campus, all in an attempt to meet the demands of the future.

Yet, the path to these initiatives and continued stability in leadership relies heavily on the contracts that govern the role of the president. In an interview with Dr. Favazza, he confirmed that the recently signed contract is primarily an extension of his current agreement, pushing the term of his presidency from June 2025 to June 2026, with the potential for further extensions if necessary. This move seems to reflect not just the college’s confidence in Dr. Favazza’s leadership, but also its commitment to continuity during a time of rapid change for the campus.

But who determines these contracts, and how long do they typically last? In general, presidential contracts at colleges and universities are often fixed terms, usually ranging from two to four years. The responsibility for proposing and negotiating these contracts lies primarily with the Board of Trustees. This body plays a crucial role in assessing the performance of the president, evaluating the institution’s progress, and determining whether to extend the president’s contract based on established criteria.

At Saint Anselm, the Board of Trustees has taken an active role in shaping the future of the college through its oversight of presidential contracts. Not only is Dr. Favazza’s new contract a signal towards the board’s confidence in his vision and leadership. And considering the tenure of presidents of the past on campus, it stands to reason that offering contract extensions are fairly commonplace for whomever is already in office at the time, if the Board sees fit. It’s also worth noting that according to Dr. Favazza, “It is entirely possible that the contract could be extended beyond that date.”, in reference to the newly defined contract term. So, while not necessarily set in stone, it’s safe to say that Dr. Favazza will continue to be a pillar of the community for years to come.