The announcement that Tania Tetlow, J.D., will serve as Fordham University’s 33rd president on Feb. 10 marked many firsts. The current president of Loyola University New Orleans, Tetlow will be Fordham University’s first female and first layperson to occupy the presidency. Tetlow will replace Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., who has served as Fordham’s president since 2003.

Tetlow’s appointment marks a distinct change from Fordham’s presidential history. Since the university’s founding in 1841, all university presidents have been male members of the Society of Jesus or, in other words, Jesuit.

The Fordham community has reacted mostly positively to Tetlow’s announcement. Many are excited to see what she does as president.

“In USG meetings, social media circles and personal friend conversations, I have heard nothing but excitement and encouraging supportive reactions from students on President-elect Tetlow,” said Thomas Reuter, FCRH ’22, president of United Student Government (USG). “The underlying themes have been related to how qualified, genuine, interested and prepared she appears.”

Additionally, many women in the Fordham community were excited to see a female president.

“As a woman living in a country that has never elected a woman president, who lives in a state that has never elected a woman governor and in a city that has never elected a woman mayor, [Tetlow’s announcement] is very exciting and historic,” said Joan Cavanagh, senior director of campus ministry for spirituality and solidarity.

However, the formal Zoom webinar announcement of Tetlow on Feb. 10 concerned Reilly Dunne, FCRH ’22, general coordinator of Fordham’s Women’s Empowerment Club. Dunne worried that some of the language used would indicate challenges that Tetlow would face during her tenure. Dunne stated that she felt as though the presenters seemed to be “emphatic” in apologizing for Tetlow not being a Jesuit.

“It makes me a little bit worried about how the donors and how the university community is going to handle her being president and any roadblocks she may face because she’s a layperson, because she’s a woman and because she’s not a part of the Society of Jesus. I’m excited to see what she does, but I’m just a little worried by the preemptive groveling,” said Dunne.

Despite her worries about Tetlow’s reception by the Fordham community, Dunne said she is still excited to see what Tetlow does during her time as president.

“I’m really excited to see a woman in power, and I hope she is able to advocate for the needs of students,” said Dunne.

Carol Gibney, director of campus ministry, solidarity and leadership, shares the excitement of Tetlow’s announcement. Gibney watched the Zoom webinar announcement of Tetlow’s presidency. According to Gibney, many students were excited and moved during the webinar and by Tetlow’s appointment.

“I talked after with one of the students and they said ‘I actually cried. For me, this is such an important moment as a woman.’ From the student perspective, the staff and faculty and the campus ministry, we are so delighted,” said Gibney

Additionally, many feel that Tetlow being a layperson will not affect Fordham’s Jesuit roots or its spiritual and religious missions.

“I’ve always felt the support of the Jesuits for our ministry, and given her qualifications and her experience in Ignatian spirituality and Ignatian pedagogy, I think we will get the support we’ve always had. I’m not worried; I feel we will be totally supported by president-elect Tetlow,” said Cavanagh.

One common sentiment shared by many members of the Fordham community is general sadness about McShane leaving the university.

“Students are undoubtedly sad to see Father McShane step away from the position. His student-centered leadership and wisdom have elevated Fordham and created an institution that challenges its members in the best ways possible,” said Reuter.

Even while many members of the Fordham community are sad to see McShane go, that does not mean that they view Tetlow negatively or question her leadership abilities.

“Father McShane’s shoes are very hard to fill [because of] his great love of Fordham and of the students and all that he has accomplished. I was a little worried before [Tetlow’s announcement] but from her remarks, what I know about her and what she has spoken about, I know we’re in good hands,” said Gibney.

Overall, there seems to be an overwhelming feeling of excitement for Tetlow’s presidency. For many, the history that Tetlow is making is extremely profound and impactful.

Tetlow’s announcement signals a positive break in tradition. The members of the Fordham community seem to be excited for the future and for Tetlow’s time as president.

“I’ve been in touch with a number of students who are all very excited to think about something they hadn’t thought about prior to Father McShane’s announcement: that we would have someone who’s not a Jesuit. There seems to be excitement on campus for a new chapter. I support this new chapter; I’m all behind president-elect Tetlow,” said Cavanagh.