Mercyhurst University announced today that Dr. Kathleen Getz will retire on June 30, 2026, concluding a 35-year career in higher education and five years of transformative leadership at the university.

Dr. Getz joined Mercyhurst in July 2021 during a period of profound disruption in higher education. Despite this challenging environment, her strategic leadership delivered significant academic, financial, and institutional achievements that strengthened the university’s national profile and long-term sustainability. These accomplishments include forming academic alliances for dual-degree careers, establishing a center for neurodiverse students, launching the university’s Centennial strategic plan, transitioning to NCAA Division I athletics, and advocating for the 100-year-old university’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition, Dr. Getz has received awards and honors in recognition of her leadership, including placement in the “Higher Education Power 100,” Pennsylvania’s Top Women Leaders, and Women Making History, as well as receiving the Distinguished Communicator Award from the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP).

“Serving Mercyhurst has been a highlight of my career,” said Dr. Getz. “In recent years, higher education has been tested in extraordinary ways, and the Mercyhurst community responded with courage, collaboration, and deep care for our students. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident the university is poised for an even stronger second century.”

Chairman of the Board of Trustees Joe NeCastro commented, “Dr. Getz has led Mercyhurst with vision, integrity, and a strong commitment to our mission. She guided the university through one of the most disruptive periods in higher education and strengthened every aspect of our institution: academics, athletics, operations and community impact. We are profoundly grateful for her leadership and the strong foundation she leaves as the university begins its next 100 years.”

BOARD APPOINTS INTERIM PRESIDENT FOR JULY 1, 2026
The Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. David Livingston to serve as interim president of the university for two years, beginning July 1, 2026.

Dr. Livingston brings nearly 30 years of higher education experience, including 16 years at Mercyhurst as a faculty member and vice president for advancement. He later served as president of Lourdes University in Ohio and Lewis University in Chicago. During his 10 years at Lewis, Dr. Livingston expanded academic offerings, increased enrollment and fundraising, and doubled the university’s endowment.

“I am deeply honored to be chosen as the next president of Mercyhurst University,” said Dr. Livingston. “I am committed to building on Dr. Getz’s achievements, accelerating the momentum of new initiatives, and positioning the university for ongoing successes. Working with our exceptional faculty, staff, and students, we will ensure a seamless transition into next chapter.”

Board Chair Joe Necastro emphasized, “This transition allows Mercyhurst to maintain its strong strategic direction while completing major initiatives already underway. The appointment of Dr. Livingston as a seasoned, successful executive with experience as a university president and a deep relationship with Mercyhurst is the optimal approach to bridge the university’s current strategy to the future.”

Dr. Getz will continue to lead the university through the 2025-2026 academic year, ensuring stability and continuity as the transition to Dr. Livingston’s presidency moves forward.

ABOUT MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1926 by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercyhurst University is an accredited, co-educational liberal arts university located in Erie, Pennsylvania. Consistently recognized as a Top Tier regional university by U.S. News & World Report, it is home to nearly 3,000 students. The university offers a broad spectrum of rigorous undergraduate and graduate academic programs and NCAA Division I athletics – preparing its students for successful careers, meaningful lives, dignified work, and leadership in service.