President Getz named among ‘Top Women Leaders of PA’

Mercyhurst University President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D., has been named among the “Top Women Leaders of Pennsylvania for 2025.”

“Women We Admire,” a membership organization comprised of some of the most accomplished women executives and leaders across the U.S. and Canada, made the announcement today. Before assuming the Mercyhurst presidency in 2021, Getz served as business school dean at Loyola University Maryland from 2015 to 2021. During her tenure there, she was the recipient of many awards, including being named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women for 2018.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized among so many inspiring women leaders across Pennsylvania,” Getz said. “This acknowledgment reflects not only my journey, but the dedication of the entire Mercyhurst community—our students, faculty, staff, and partners—who strive each day to live out our mission of ‘Carpe Diem’ and create a better tomorrow. I share this honor with all those working to lead with purpose, integrity, and compassion.”

The Women We Admire spotlight notes that Getz and her Cabinet have led Mercyhurst through challenges and changes impacting the entire higher education sector. Building on existing strengths and emerging opportunities, Mercyhurst is developing six new centers for engagement focused on arts and society, contemporary humanities, global security, health promotion, neurodiversity, and sustainability. These centers are designed to address societal challenges through scholarly research, experiential student learning, and external engagement.

In April 2024, she announced the university's transition from NCAA Division II athletics to NCAA Division I, a transformative change that brings significant benefits to both the athletics program and the broader university and Erie communities.

In addition to her leadership at Mercyhurst, she is actively involved in the community, serving as a board member of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, singing in her church choir, and participating in various volunteer activities.

Besides her Mercyhurst and Loyola Maryland positions, Getz previously served as business school dean at Loyola University Chicago (2011-2015) and as senior associate dean, department chair, and professor of business at American University (1991-2011). Getz earned a doctorate at the University of Pittsburgh, an MBA at Gannon University, and her bachelor’s degree at Penn State University.