St. Edward’s University Appoints Matthew Shank as Interim President
AUSTIN, Texas — St. Edward’s University has appointed Matthew Shank as interim president. He will begin a transition period on June 1 and assume the interim presidency on July 1.
Having served as president of Marymount University in Virginia for seven years, Shank brings a long record of higher education leadership to his role as interim president.
“Dr. Shank brings a steady, mission-centered approach to institutional stewardship,” said Linus Akanoh Jr. ’06, chair of the St. Edward’s University Board of Trustees. “At a time when universities across the country are navigating profound change, the board is confident that he will provide the clarity, stability and forward momentum our institution needs.”
The Board of Trustees conducted the interim search in partnership with AGB Search, a national firm specializing in higher education leadership placements. Members of the university’s leadership and shared governance groups—including students, faculty, staff and alumni—engaged with finalists and provided input to the board. That feedback informed the decision and underscored Shank’s collaborative leadership style and alignment with the St. Edward’s University mission.
“I want to thank the Board of Trustees and the entire university community for providing me with this opportunity to serve. My focus as interim president will be to listen carefully, communicate transparently, and help position St. Edward’s for long-term strength and momentum,” said Shank.
After leaving Marymount in 2018, Shank served as president of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges. He has also served as dean of the School of Business Administration at the University of Dayton and held faculty and administrative roles at Northern Kentucky University.
As interim president, Shank will serve for a limited term of up to two years while the university prepares for a comprehensive search for a permanent president. The Board of Trustees plans to launch that process in spring 2027. In the coming months, members of the university community will have opportunities to engage with Shank as he begins building relationships across campus.
He will succeed President Montserrat ‘Montse’ Fuentes. The Board of Trustees announced in February that she will conclude her presidency on June 30 after five years in the role.
About St. Edward’s University
St. Edward’s University is a private university in the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition with approximately 3,000 students. Located in Austin, Texas, it is one of the top universities in the state and offers more than 55 undergraduate, seven master’s degree programs, and a doctoral program. St. Edward’s delivers a premier, highly personalized education that provides students with distinctive academics and extensive internships, research, and service-learning opportunities on a vibrant, inclusive hilltop campus in a world-class city. St. Edward’s has been recognized for 22 consecutive years as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report. In the 2026 Best Colleges rankings, St. Edward’s ranked #5 in the Best Regional Universities in the West.
Media Contact: Gary Susswein at BandOne, 512-694-7909
