The ten-year contract extension recognizes Dr. Nemec’s transformative leadership and Fairfield’s extraordinary momentum, as the University advances toward its centennial.
The Fairfield University Board of Trustees has extended the contract of President Mark R. Nemec, PhD, through June 2036, reaffirming its confidence in his leadership and in the University’s continued trajectory of growth, distinction, and national prominence.
Dr. Nemec, who became Fairfield’s ninth president in 2017, has led the University through a period of significant transformation. With his commitment to lifelong formation and holistic education, he has advanced Fairfield’s Jesuit Catholic mission, strengthened its academic profile, expanded its reach and reputation, and reimagined the physical campus.
Extending President Nemec’s contract through 2036 is, first and foremost, a reflection of the extraordinary strength of Fairfield University and our confidence in its future,” said Sheila Davidson ’83, chair of the Fairfield University Board of Trustees. “Since Mark became President in 2017, he has brought a clear, mission-driven vision to Fairfield. Together with our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and supporters, he has transformed that vision into meaningful and measurable progress. The University that exists today is stronger academically, more nationally prominent, more vibrant, and more ambitious than it was when he began his presidency.
“Under Mark’s leadership, applications have doubled and Fairfield’s admit rate has reached a record low, reflecting the growing demand for a Fairfield education and the increasing quality and caliber of the students who join our community. At the same time, we have reimagined our physical campus through significant investments in academic, residential, cultural, athletic, and student-life spaces. These accomplishments are not simply a collection of impressive numbers or new buildings; they represent a fundamental strengthening of the institution’s values-based, student-centric, outcomes-focused educational priorities and a deepening of Fairfield’s reputation.
“The Board believes strongly in Mark’s vision for Fairfield and in his ability to lead the University into its next chapter. We are fortunate to have a leader who understands both the responsibility of this moment and the possibilities that lie ahead. Extending his service through 2036 provides the continuity and long-term perspective necessary to build upon this momentum. While such a lengthy commitment is uncommon, it reflects the Board's trust in Mark and the entire leadership team at Fairfield.”
Since 2017, Fairfield has seen traditional undergraduate enrollment grow from 4,003 to 5,276, an increase of nearly 32 percent. The acceptance rate has fallen to 21 percent while yield has risen to 33 percent, ranking it fifth among all Catholic universities and colleges in the U.S. in both selectivity and yield. In this same period, Fairfield’s total enrollment grew from 5,197 to 7,161, an increase of nearly 38 percent.
The University received a record 21,662 applications for the Class of 2030. The incoming class represents the strongest academic profile in Fairfield’s history and includes students from 31 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 15 countries.
Under Dr. Nemec's leadership, Fairfield was elevated to the National University category in U.S. News & World Report rankings, currently listed amongst the top 75 private universities in the country. Fairfield was also recognized by Time magazine in its inaugural list of the top 100 institutions nationwide and placed No. 27 in LinkedIn's ranking of best universities for longtime career success and No. 9 for job placement.
The University has also made significant investments in its academic and physical infrastructure. During Dr. Nemec’s presidency, Fairfield has added and renovated spaces across its Main Campus, including the completion of the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies and the Tully Dining Commons, the creation of the School of Engineering and Computing’s Innovation Annex, and the building of the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, the Leo D. Mahoney Arena, the Barnyard Townhouses, and additional new residence halls. Current infrastructure projects include the creation of Corrigan Hall, new graduate housing, the Outdoor Dining Pavilion, and plans for new and expanded facilities to support the University’s academic, cultural, and community life.
With a commitment to forming children of God into individuals of purpose in service to the greater good, Fairfield has expanded opportunities for students through new academic programs and modalities, geographic expansion, and increased access initiatives, including Fairfield Bellarmine, a two-year associate’s degree program in Bridgeport, Conn., an Accelerated Second Degree Nursing program in Austin, Texas, and two Fairfield Dolan graduate business programs for working professionals in Shanghai, China.
“I am deeply grateful to our Board of Trustees for their partnership and for extending my service as President. It is with a shared sense of purpose—and confidence in Fairfield’s future—that I have formally committed to steward our University through June 2036,” said President Nemec. “This extension reflects our collective belief in the trajectory of this University and in the important work that lies ahead. Together, we will continue to build upon Fairfield’s remarkable momentum as we look toward our 100th anniversary in 2042.”
