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Past Presidents of Villanova University

image of presidential seal

From 1843 to the Present

Throughout its history, Villanova University's presidents have been leaders with extraordinary vision, goals, and talent to lead and to inspire others to enhance the University's presence and mission.

Created on the occasion of the Innauguration of our 32nd President, the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A. Ph.D., this page allows you to explore our timeline of Presidents, past and present.

Learn about the individuals who shared their lives, hopes, and dreams to bring about what we see today.

Father Peter Donohue

Reverend Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A.

32nd President
2006-present

 

Reverend Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A.

Reverend Edmund J. Dobbin, O.S.A.

31st President
1988-2006

Reverend John M. Driscoll, O.S.A.

Reverend John M. Driscoll, O.S.A.

30th President
1975-1988

Reverend Edward J. McCarthy, O.S.A.

Reverend Edward J. McCarthy, O.S.A.

29th President
1971-1975

Reverend Robert J. Welsh, O.S.A.

Reverend Robert J. Welsh, O.S.A.

28th President
1967-1971

Reverend Joseph A. Flaherty, O.S.A.

Reverend Joseph A. Flaherty, O.S.A.

27th President
1965-1967

Reverend John A. Klekotka, O.S.A.

Reverend John A. Klekotka, O.S.A.

26th President
1959-1965

Reverend James A. Donnellon, O.S.A.

Reverend James A. Donnellon, O.S.A.

25th President
1954-1959

Reverend Francis X. N. McGuire, O.S.A.

Reverend Francis X. N. McGuire, O.S.A.

24th President
1944-1954

Reverend Edward V. Stanford, O.S.A.

Reverend Edward V. Stanford, O.S.A.

23rd President
1932-1944

Reverend James H. Griffin, O.S.A.

Reverend James H. Griffin, O.S.A.

22nd President
1926-1932

Reverend Mortimer A. Sullivan, O.S.A.

Reverend Mortimer A. Sullivan, O.S.A.

21st President
1925-1926

Reverend Joseph A. Hickey, O.S.A.

Reverend Joseph A. Hickey, O.S.A.

20th President
1924-1925

Reverend Francis A. Driscoll, O.S.A.

Reverend Francis A. Driscoll, O.S.A.

19th President
1920-1924

Reverend James J. Dean, O.S.A.

Reverend James J. Dean, O.S.A.

18th President
1917-1920

Reverend Edward G. Dohan, O.S.A.

Reverend Edward G. Dohan, O.S.A.

17th President
1910-1917

Reverend Lawrence A. Delurey, O.S.A.

Reverend Lawrence A. Delurey, O.S.A.

16th President
1895-1910

Reverend Francis J. McShane, O.S.A.

Reverend Francis J. McShane, O.S.A.

15th President
1894-1895

Reverend Christopher A. McEvoy, O.S.A.

Reverend Christopher A. McEvoy, O.S.A.

14th President
1890-1894

Reverend Francis M. Sheeran, O.S.A.

Reverend Francis M. Sheeran, O.S.A.

13th President
1886-1890

Reverend Joseph A. Coleman, O.S.A.

Reverend Joseph A. Coleman, O.S.A.

12th President
1880-1886

Reverend John J. Fedigan, O.S.A.

Reverend John J. Fedigan, O.S.A.

11th President
1878-1880

Reverend Thomas C. Middleton, O.S.A.

Reverend Thomas C. Middleton, O.S.A.

10th President
1876-1878

Reverend Thomas Galberry, O.S.A.

Reverend Thomas Galberry, O.S.A.

9th President
1872-1876

Reverend Patrick A. Stanton, O.S.A.

Reverend Patrick A. Stanton, O.S.A.

8th President
1869-1872

Reverend Ambrose A. Mullen, O.S.A.

Reverend Ambrose A. Mullen, O.S.A.

7th President
1865-1869

Reverend William Harnett, O.S.A.

Reverend William Harnett, O.S.A.

6th President
1855-1857

Reverend Patrick E. Moriarty, O.S.A.

Reverend Patrick E. Moriarty, O.S.A.

5th President
1851-1855

Reverend William Harnett, O.S.A.

Reverend William Harnett, O.S.A.

4th President
1850-1851

Reverend John P. O’Dwyer, O.S.A.

Reverend John P. O’Dwyer, O.S.A.

3rd President
1848-1850

Reverend William Harnett, O.S.A.

Reverend William Harnett, O.S.A.

2nd President
1847-1848

Reverend John P. O’Dwyer, O.S.A.

Reverend John P. O’Dwyer, O.S.A.

1st President
1843-1847