UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON — The University of Dayton named its first woman president on Monday.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 5:00 p.m., the University of Dayton Board of Trustees named Darlene Weaver to serve as the university’s president after current President Eric F. Spina’s retirement in June 2027.
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Weaver will be the first woman to serve in the role in the university’s 176-year history.
The decision followed a national search supported by a presidential search advisory committee including trustees, Marianists, faculty, staff, students and alumni.
“And the opportunity to lead such an extraordinary university at such a consequential moment in higher education is an enormous privilege,” Weaver said.
Weaver has served as UD’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs since July 2023.
As provost, Weaver worked across schools, colleges, and divisions to support faculty excellence and research, student learning, and the integration of academic priorities with the broader student experience, according to the University.
“I am really excited to continue to expand my interactions with them and to do everything that I can to support their success,” Weaver said.
Before joining the University of Dayton, Weaver spent 25 years in Catholic higher education, including at Duquesne University, where she served four years as associate provost for academic affairs and a professor of theology.
She also earned tenure and was promoted to associate professor at Villanova University and was a visiting assistant professor at Georgetown University.
Ava Larkin, a Senior Business Management and Marketing student, told News Center 7’s Trinity Corbett that Weaver is a great selection for president.
“I know given her current role and her involvement with the students, she is going to do everything in her power to keep the students at the forefront of her decisions,” Larkin said.
Weaver added that her familiarity with the university and its students gives her an advantage.
“I know so well what’s extraordinary about this place. I know its strengths. I know its people. But I also see those areas of opportunity where we have additional opportunity to really kind of live up to our aspirations and realize those more fully,” Weaver said.
Despite not being an alumna of the university, Weaver says she’s a Flyer through and through.
Weaver will succeed Eric F. Spina, who will retire on June 30, 2027. She will begin her tenure on July 1, 2027.
News Center 7 will continue following this story.
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