Since assuming the presidency of Niagara University in January of 2000, the Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., has relied on his rich background in Vincentian leadership and higher education to chart the institution’s course for a new century.

              Under his leadership, the university is experiencing a process of transformation that is impacting both the physical character of the campus and the university’s approach to teaching and learning. More than $60 million has been invested in new construction, renovation and improvements projects, and a new master plan has been developed for the 160-acre campus. The most recent project, an $18.65 million academic complex, houses the highly accredited colleges of Business Administration and Education. Enrollment on both the undergraduate and graduate levels has reached modern-day highs, and there has been a marked increase in community involvement, thanks to a number of outreach efforts. The university has also embarked on an $80-million capital campaign, the largest in its history.

              A native of North Tarrytown, N.Y., Father Levesque was ordained a priest in 1967 after studies at Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, Pa.  He taught religious studies at St. John's Preparatory School in Brooklyn and at St. Joseph's Seminary in Princeton, N.J., before being assigned to Niagara in 1970 as a lecturer in the religious studies department.  His teaching was interrupted by studies at The Catholic University of America, where he received his doctoral degree in theology.

              Returning to Niagara, he resumed teaching and was named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the college's graduate division in 1978.  He remained in the post until 1986, when he returned to seminary work, serving as president of St. Joseph's Seminary.

              Father Levesque was elected provincial superior of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Community) in 1990.  He stepped down from the position in June of 1999 after the maximum nine-year term and subsequently assumed the presidency of Niagara University. 

              During his term as provincial, Father Levesque was active in the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, a leadership organization that serves all male religious in the United States. He served as president from 1995-97, gaining a national presence through his work with the Catholic bishops and with church authorities in Rome.  He was the conference's liaison to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy from 1991-94.