SLU Leaders Visit Madrid to Strengthen Collaboration and Shape a Shared Future
President Edward Feser, Provost Kathy Johnson and Board of Trustees Chairman Eric Engler engaged with the SLU-Madrid community to discuss strategic priorities and explore opportunities for greater collaboration between the University's two campuses.
Saint Louis University welcomed President Edward Feser, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Provost Kathy Johnson, Ph.D., and Board of Trustees Chairman Eric Engler to its Madrid campus in September 2026 for a series of meetings focused on strengthening ties between Madrid and St. Louis.
Hosted by SLU-Madrid Rector William P. Johnson, J.D., the visit brought university leaders together with faculty, staff and students to discuss SLU's new strategic plan, share perspectives and identify opportunities for future collaboration. It also marked the first visit to the Madrid campus by Johnson and Engler in their current roles.
One University, Two Campuses, One Shared Vision
Throughout the visit, university leaders emphasized the importance of recognizing Madrid and St. Louis as two distinctive yet complementary parts of the same institution.
During an open forum with the campus community, Feser highlighted Madrid's role in SLU's international identity, stating:
"I would like to see Saint Louis University described with Madrid as often as possible."
His remarks reflected a broader vision of SLU as a Jesuit research university whose presence in both St. Louis and Madrid represents a defining institutional strength.
The discussions also reflected a central priority of SLU's strategic plan: placing students at the heart of institutional decisions and creating opportunities that support their academic and personal success.
Johnson highlighted the potential of a Jesuit research university with campuses in the United States and a major European capital. She also praised the Madrid community's commitment to innovation:
"What I appreciate most about the culture here is that there is an openness to innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit and a goodwill that is very rare and precious."
Engler also participated in discussions about the University's strategic direction and opportunities to build on the strengths of the Madrid campus.
Johnson reflected on the significance of the visit:
"It was such an honor to welcome the highest-level delegation of Saint Louis University leaders to Madrid in many decades. Their visit provided an outstanding opportunity to identify a shared vision for the campus and its role in the university, which was truly motivating. The future of the university and the Madrid campus alike looks very bright."
Academic Collaboration in Action
One of the highlights of the visit was the Science and Engineering Spotlight, which showcased research conducted by SLU-Madrid faculty and the growing academic connections between the two campuses.
Taieb Gasmi, Ph.D., associate dean of science and engineering, presented the division’s growth and ambitions, including seven full-degree programs currently serving approximately 130 students, and its vision for stronger research capabilities and academic collaboration by 2030.
Faculty members Charles El Mir, Fairouz Medjahed and Iván A. Sánchez highlighted research in planetary science, artificial intelligence and social network analysis, and environmental sustainability.
The session also highlighted existing cross-campus initiatives, including participation by Madrid computer science students in the St. Louis Capstone Exhibition and a summer research opportunity at the Space Systems Research Laboratory. These examples illustrated the potential for closer faculty collaboration and more student research opportunities across both campuses.
Building Connections Across the SLU Community
Beyond academic presentations, the visit included meetings with campus leadership, faculty and staff, as well as open forums where members of the university community exchanged ideas directly with SLU's senior leaders.
Students also had the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives, reinforcing the University's commitment to a student-centered educational environment.
The visit included a special ceremony honoring former SLU-Madrid Rector Frank Reale, S.J., for his contributions to the campus's growth and development, particularly his role in the expansion of San Ignacio Hall. The ceremony was also featured in a Saint Louis University news article about Reale's recognition.
Together, these conversations and activities underscored the value of continued cooperation between Madrid and St. Louis, building on existing partnerships while exploring new opportunities in education, research and student engagement.
As Saint Louis University advances its strategic priorities, the Madrid campus remains an integral part of its international identity and shared future.