Office of the President

Iona University President Seamus Carey, Ph.D.

A Visionary Leader

Since taking the helm as the ninth president of Iona University on July 1, 2019, Seamus Carey, Ph.D., has been a transformative force in higher education. Renowned nationally for his innovative approach, Carey has charted a course of dynamic growth and expanded opportunities for students, both academically and in service to others around the world.

Navigating Challenges, Driving Growth

Carey's leadership was immediately tested by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Despite these challenges, Iona pushed ahead on its path of innovation, and has seen a remarkable increase in new student enrollment of over 40 percent since 2019.

Carey’s initiatives have included expanding Iona’s footprint, introducing new academic programs and degrees, enhancing extracurricular activities, and reinforcing the University’s foundational values of faith and service.

Under Carey’s guidance, Iona has also achieved national recognition. Most recently for 2026, Iona has been recognized by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others as one of the nation’s best colleges. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of top for social mobility in the country, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranked an Iona degree in the top 6 percent nationally for long-term return on investment.

Founded in 1940, Iona is a Catholic institution inspired by the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Congregation of Christian Brothers. On July 1, 2022, Carey successfully led the transition from Iona College to Iona University, reflecting the institution’s academic distinction and growing prestige. 

Expansion and Legacy

During his tenure, Carey’s vision has helped to both elevate and expand the Iona mission. In May 2021, Carey orchestrated the acquisition of a 28-acre campus in Bronxville, N.Y., formerly home to Concordia College. The new campus now houses the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences—renamed in 2025 to reflect the growth and distinction of its undergraduate and graduate nursing programs—as well as the state-of-the-art Kelly Center for Health Sciences. Launched with a $20 million gift and in collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian, this premier school is helping to meet the need for skilled health care professionals while providing students with unparalleled access to clinical placements and career opportunities.

In May 2024, Carey also expanded Iona’s global footprint by launching a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland. Situated on the historic 400-acre Westport House Estate, this new campus further strengthens Iona’s Irish legacy and opens pathways into immersive global study for students.

Carey’s vision is also reshaping the New Rochelle campus. Transforming a former parking lot into a vibrant green space, Carey initiated the creation of the Murphy Green in the heart of campus, which now serves as the center of campus life. Complementing this space, the newly designed Mehmel Green further unifies campus by offering sweeping views and an expanded gathering space for the Iona community. Iona also completed a two-story renovation of the LaPenta Student Union in 2025, including a fully modernized dining hall and enhanced meeting and gathering spaces. Now, new plans are underway for a state-of-the-art media center that will bring together broadcasting, podcasting, esports and other digital media initiatives in the center of campus. Furthermore, through the Gabelli Center for Teaching & Learning, Carey has positioned Iona as a leader in pedagogical innovation, launching the Presidential Speaker Series, advancing faculty development, hosting dynamic conferences and leading important conversations around teaching and learning in the age of AI.

Meanwhile, Carey has spearheaded the Gaels Go Further Mentoring program as one of his strategic initiatives. This highly successful program taps into Iona’s network of 55,000 alumni to help students achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Expanding Opportunities 

Outside of the classroom, Carey has also made bold moves to enhance the University's extracurricular offerings.

Under Carey’s leadership, Iona now boasts 26 Division I teams, including new programs for men’s lacrosse, women’s acrobatics and tumbling, women’s golf, and men’s and women’s tennis. At the same time, Carey has also grown Iona’s Club Sports and Spirit & Performing Arts programs, ensuring that Iona students have a diverse array of activities to choose from to stay active and engaged.

Background

A Bronx native and first-generation college student, Carey earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy and a Master of Arts from Fordham University, with a bachelor’s degree from Vassar College. He further honed his leadership skills at Harvard’s Management Development Program and the Executive Leadership Academy sponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges.

Before joining Iona, Carey served as president of Transylvania University in Kentucky for five years, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Sacred Heart University for four years, and chairman of the philosophy department at Manhattan College, where he taught for nine years.

Carey serves on the board of The Business Council of Westchester and has published three books focusing on philosophy, parenting, and family life. They include “Growing Up with Your Children: 7 Turning Points in the Lives of Parents,” “The Faithful Parent: Discovering the Spirit of Purposeful Parenting,” and “The Whole Child: Restoring Wonder to the Art of Parenting.” 

Carey’s tenure at Iona University exemplifies a blend of strategic growth, academic innovation, and commitment to community service, establishing a legacy of excellence and expanded horizons for both students and the University alike.