Chestnut Hill College announced yesterday its choice for its seventh president, Dr. William W. Latimer, Ph.D., M.P.H. 

In a statement posted on the college website on Monday, the Sisters of Saint Joseph and the school’s board of directors said Latimer currently serves as vice president of Mercy College, Bronx Campus. He holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, master’s degrees in public health and developmental psychology, and a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology. 

According to the statement, Latimer demonstrated a successful track record for fundraising, grant writing initiatives and forming community and corporate partnerships while at Mercy College

It also said they chose Latimer in part because his peers describe him as collaborative and willing to listen to others. 

“We wish to thank everyone for their interest and participation in the College’s search for a new president,” the statement read. “We were proud to see so many of you joining each of our candidates’ visits whether it was in-person or via Zoom.”

In a letter to the CHC community, also released on Monday, Latimer said he was “deeply grateful” to have been chosen to assume the role. 

“To say that I have big shoes to fill, given the range and breadth of your accomplishments over the past three decades guided by the leadership of Sister Carol, is the understatement of the age,” he said. “The primary message I hope to convey here is the focus I will place on listening and learning from the full range of constituencies of the College to define together the path forward.”

The letter said he plans to hold a series of open forums with all college stakeholders, and that he and his wife, Maria, will also host a series of gatherings in their home for students, faculty, staff, and community partners. 

“These get-togethers will help me to better understand faculty expertise, student aspirations, staff excellence, and partnership opportunities,” the letter read. “I also very much look forward to fully engaging with the Sisters of Saint Joseph, to learn from you while seeking to define new ways to champion your mission and legacy in the lived experience of the Chestnut Hill College community and beyond.”

Latimer said he intends to use that input to develop and articulate a vision for the future of the school. 

“My priorities will likely focus on a detailed and transparent plan for enrollment management; enhancing diversity and inclusion across every facet of the College as an extension of the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph; diversifying streams of revenue beyond enrollment via means that support faculty excellence; and enhancing the College brand regionally and nationally,” the letter read.