Schools

1st Black, 1st Male President Inaugurated At Saint Elizabeth U.

Saint Elizabeth University made history Thursday, with the installation of Dr. Gary Crosby as its eighth president.

Saint Elizabeth University installed Dr. Gary Crosby on Thursday as its eighth president.
Saint Elizabeth University installed Dr. Gary Crosby on Thursday as its eighth president. (Denise Panyik-Dale)

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — Saint Elizabeth University just made history. The institution inaugurated President Dr. Gary Crosby, who becomes the first Black and first male president in school history.

The Board of Trustees appointed Crosby as president in March after he served as the vice president of student affairs at Alabama A&M University. He brought nearly 20 years of administrative experience in higher education.

Crosby has received recognition for his student-centered, mission-oriented leadership, according to Saint Elizabeth University. He played a significant role at AAMU in strengthening student outcomes in humanities, STEM and business disciplines through external partnerships; chaired the institution's COVID-19 task force; and led initiatives to diversify revenue.

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The president's inauguration marks a historic shift for Saint Elizabeth University. Previously an all-women's college, the school began transitioning to co-ed learning in 2016 before achieving university status in July 2020.

"I was drawn to SEU's history of service in leadership to others, as well as its longstanding proactive commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion," Crosby said. "Its focus on social justice, dating back to the institution's founding by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, is more critical today than ever."

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Watch the inauguration ceremony below:

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