Saint Louis University Provost Michael Lewis Named Next President of Saint Anselm College
ST. LOUIS (March 9, 2026) — Saint Louis University Provost Michael Lewis, Ph.D., has been named the next president of Saint Anselm College, effective July 1. Founded in 1889 in Manchester, New Hampshire, by Benedictine monks, it’s recognized as the third-oldest Catholic college in New England.
“I offer Mike my heartfelt congratulations and thank him for skillfully guiding SLU’s
academic enterprise and ensuring its strength, integrity and excellence,” said Saint
Louis University President Edward Feser, Ph.D. “Saint Anselm will thrive under his
leadership.”
Lewis joined SLU’s Department of Chemistry in 2004. As a faculty member, he earned
multiple teaching awards and authored numerous scholarly publications before moving
into academic leadership.
He began his administrative service in 2013 as SLU’s associate provost for faculty
affairs and development. He later served as acting provost, and interim dean of the
College of Arts and Sciences. He served as interim provost in 2020 before being appointed
permanent provost in 2021 following a national search.
During his tenure as provost, Lewis strengthened SLU’s academic profile and research
enterprise. The University achieved R1 status, the highest classification for research
activity, and external research expenditures across the 11 academic units under Lewis’
purview increased by 77%.
He also oversaw the development and implementation of a university-wide, mission-focused
core curriculum, establishing a shared academic experience for all undergraduate students
across majors, colleges, schools and campuses.
Lewis advanced SLU’s global engagement as well through initiatives that included the
innovative Global Graduate program, new international collaborations, and expanded
enrollment and academic offerings at the University’s campus in Madrid, Spain.
In addition, he advanced a number of initiatives focused on student well-being, including
SLU’s partnership with the Jed Foundation, expansion of the University Counseling
Center, and the introduction of 24/7 virtual counseling services with licensed providers
available in all 50 states.
Lewis announced in October that he would not seek another term as SLU provost. In
January, SLU launched a national search for an executive vice president and provost, a newly created leadership role that
will serve as the University’s second-ranking officer and work in close partnership
with the president.
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