ERIE – Mercyhurst University announced today that Kathleen Getz, Ph.D., will retire on June 30, 2026, concluding a 35-year career in higher education and five years of transformative leadership at the University.
Getz joined Mercyhurst as president in July 2021 during a time of profound disruption in higher education. Against this challenging environment, Getz’s strategic leadership realized significant academic, financial and institutional achievements that strengthened the University’s national profile and long-term sustainability, including forming academic alliances for dual- degree careers, establishing a center for neurodiverse students, launching the University’s Centennial strategic plan, transitioning to NCAA Division 1 athletics, and advocating for the 100 year old University to be named to the National Register of Historic Places.
In addition, 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 AICUP.
“Serving Mercyhurst has been a highlight of my career,” said 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.”
The Board of Trustees has appointed David Livingston, Ph.D., to serve as interim president of the
University for two years, beginning July 1, 2026.
Livingston brings nearly 30 years of higher education experience, including 16 years on the faculty and as Vice President for Advancement at Mercyhurst. He was later president of Lourdes University in Ohio and Lewis University in Chicago. In his 10 years as president of Lewis, Livingston successfully expanded academic offerings, grew enrollment, increased fundraising and doubled the endowment.
“I am deeply honored to be chosen as the next president of Mercyhurst University,” said 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.”
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.”
Getz will continue to lead the University through the 2025-2026 academic year, ensuring stability and continuity as the transition to Livingston’s presidency moves forward.
Founded in 1926 by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercyhurst University is an accredited, co-educational liberal arts university located in Erie, Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.mercyhurst.edu.
