Gannon University President Keith Taylor to step down; what are plans to fill his job?

Keith Taylor, who has served as president of Gannon University since 2011, will step down from that position at the end of next June.

Taylor, who has overseen a building and renovation boom at Gannon and the development of a new campus in Ruskin, Florida, made the announcement at a meeting on Friday.

During a period of declining enrollment at many universities across the country, Taylor has expanded Gannon's enrollment, thanks in part to expanded recruiting of international enrollment.

Taylor's planned retirement date will mark 18 years with Gannon, six as provost and 12 as president.

"My six years as provost and what will be 12 years as your president have truly been life-changing for me and for the Taylor family," Taylor said in a statement. "I have been blessed to personally experience the transformation we seek in our students, in ourselves, and in those around us."

During an interview last summer with the Erie Times-News, Taylor estimated that Gannon had invested $125 in buildings over the last decade.

More:Gannon University's Keith Taylor marks 10 years at the helm

Notable projects include the reinvention of the former Verizon building. The $28 million project will transform the seven-story building into the $28 million home of Gannon's Institute for Health and Cyber Knowledge or I-HACK.

For Taylor, the presidency was about more than land development.

Taylor said last year that Gannon works simultaneously to honor its Catholic tradition while meeting the needs of all students.

"That is why we talk about transforming lives," Taylor said. "It's not just about making students smarter. It's about transforming the life of a human building."

He talked more about the human element in his announcement Friday.

“You have inspired me to listen, learn and expand my perspectives,” he told members of his audience.

He continued, “It is you who make Gannon the exceptional university it has been, it is, and the one it is becoming,” he said. “Our students provide incredible energy, passion and hope that keeps us going."

Erie Catholic Bishop Lawrence Persico had words of praise for Taylor.

“Dr. Taylor has advanced the university with so many projects – some moved us by leaps and bounds,” Persico said. “I am grateful for all he’s done for Gannon, and I am confident the momentum will continue.”

More:Gannon University creates something new in downtown Erie office building

A lasting legacy

During Taylor’s tenure, Gannon’s endowment doubled to a high of $83.5 million. Gannon’s current campaign, Believe. Inspire. Transform. Gannon’s Next Century, has secured $72.1 million toward its $100 million goal.

In an Erie Times-News interview in July of 2021, Taylor gave no hint that he might step down soon.

"I have no next job," Taylor said at the time. "I am a planner and I have no plan for anything else. We have come a long way, but we still have a lot of work to do."

As Gannon begins the search for its next president, it will look close to home, at least at first.

According to the University, a survey is being distributed to the Gannon community regarding the needs of the school and the qualities its president should have.

Based on those results, as well as open forums and focus group meetings, a profile will be developed.

In October, according to Gannon, "One internal candidate will be vetted against this profile and a recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Trustees."

At that point, trustees can either hire that internal candidate or launch a national search.

Jim Martin can be reached at jmartin@timesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Gannon University's President Keith Taylor to step down next June