President’s Office
Dr. Gerard J. Rooney is the seventh president of St. John Fisher University, having served in this role since 2015 and at the institution since 1996.
His presidency has been defined by a student-centered approach, strategic innovation, and a deep commitment to the University’s Catholic and Basilian heritage. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from Fairfield University,
He has also led the institution through a period of mission-driven growth and development. Under his leadership, Fisher transitioned from a college to a university in 2022, a milestone reflecting its broadened academic portfolio and institutional advancement. This transformation was guided by the strategic plan which shaped many of the University’s initiatives in academics, student success, and community engagement and was titled, “Renewing our Purpose. Broadening our Impact.”
“I am committed to carrying the vision of our founders forward, to advance the mission of the University, and to continue its good work for its students, its alumni, and for the people around us. I will seek opportunities to make the Fisher educational experience transformational for all of our students.” - Dr. Rooney
Using a student-centered approach, President Rooney has spearheaded several efforts to create transformative experiences leading to increased levels of student engagement and success. Key accomplishments include: the addition of new undergraduate and graduate programs, including New York State’s first fully online Pharm.D. program; the creation of The Fisher Edge and the Center for Career and Academic Planning to integrate advising and career development; and the establishment of the Institute for Civic and Community Engagement and the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing.
President Rooney has held leadership roles in national and regional organizations. Currently, he serves as president of the Rochester Area Colleges, treasurer of Partners for Campus Community Engagement (PCCE), board member of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, member of the Diocese of Rochester Stewardship Council, and as a peer evaluator for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. He served previously as a member of the board of the University of St. Thomas (TX), McQuaid Jesuit (All Boys Catholic College Prep School), and member of the executive committee of the boards of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, and the Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities in New York (CICU). He is also a member of the President’s Council of the Empire 8 Athletic Conference, serving as president from 2020 to 2023. He served as a member of the NCAA Division III Presidents Council from 2020 to 2023.
He has been honored with the Executive of the Year Award from the Rochester Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, Cardinal Awards Staff Member of the Year, and the Dr. Lou Buttino Faculty and Staff Involvement Award from the Teddi Dance for Love Committee, and the University at Buffalo’s Graduate School of Education’s 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award. He has also been recognized by the Rochester Business Journal’s Power 100 and Power 30 in Higher Education for several years, in addition to being recognized with an ICON Award in 2020.
President Rooney and his wife, Susan, reside in Pittsford, NY, and have four adult children.