The contract of Sacred Heart University (SHU) President Dr. John Petillo has been extended through 2029. The Board of Trustees came to this decision during a series of meetings, which consisted of “thoughtful discussion and deliberation,” held the week of Oct. 13.
The extension was announced in an email sent to the SHU community on Oct. 17 by John Vazquez, chairman of the Board of Trustees. According to the email, “This decision reflects our strong belief in the importance of continuity and experienced leadership as the university continues to navigate the challenges facing higher education today.”
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“I am pleased and grateful that the Board has put its faith in me to lead the university,” said Petillo. “I look forward to continuing the work with faculty and staff that has contributed to making Sacred Heart University one of the best in the country.”
Petillo first arrived at SHU in March 2009, where he served as the dean of the Jack Welch College of Business for a year and a half. In October 2010, Petillo was named interim president of the university, before being named the full-time president in March 2011, a role he’s held ever since.
“I’ve had a great experience so far with him here as president so I think it’s a great idea. He’s done a lot for the university, and I’ve seen him at a lot of events around campus, so he’s been a good leader in my time here. I think it’s a good idea for the future of the university,” said senior Dylan Brown.
Some of the advancements SHU has seen in the 14-year tenure of Petillo’s presidency include the creation of the Frank & Marisa Martire Center for the Liberal Arts, the Center of Healthcare Education (CHE), the Martire Family Arena (MFA), the Valentine Health & Recreation Center and JP’s Diner – named after Petillo himself.
In addition, SHU now owns and operates Great River Golf Club – ranked 14th in Golf Digest’s 2025 ranking of golf courses in Connecticut – after purchasing it in 2015.
“During the 15 years that Dr. Petillo has been president of Sacred Heart, he has proven he is forward-thinking, strategic and mission-driven,” said Vazquez.
According to Petillo, one aspect of SHU stands out to him in particular: the students.
“The university and our community mean everything to me—especially the students, because you are the reason the rest of us are here,” said Petillo. “I enjoy watching your growth while you are here and following what you achieve after you leave.”
Spectrum previously reported that SHU was ranked in the top 25 in seven different categories in the recent Princeton Review’s Best 391 College Guidebook, including a top 10 ranking for student support.
Sophomore Maria Clara Bragagnolo Rose believes that students should have a bigger say in matters at SHU.
“I like SHU, I like it here. However, I do feel like we need more input from young people—students—in the school,” said Bragagnolo Rose.
Vazquez said that the Pioneer Journey is a key focal point for Petillo, as it can apply to any SHU student and incorporates the Catholic intellectual tradition that is heavily integrated in SHU’s message.
“Dr. Petillo is a strong believer that the Pioneer Journey—a road that every student here travels—is a critical part of a SHU education and provides students with the values and skills for a successful life and career,” said Vazquez. “The five pillars of the Pioneer Journey—knowledge, faith, integrity, service and community—reflect his values as do the mission and guiding principles of the university.”
Although the world around them is evolving, Petillo and the Board of Trustees will continue to collaborate on the best ways to take the university forward.
“SHU’s leadership team, led by Dr. Petillo and the Board, will be working together to ensure that Sacred Heart continues to thrive even during these current times that are challenging for higher education,” said Vazquez.
In Petillo’s tenure as president, SHU has grown to have nine total colleges and schools – with the School of Performing Arts being the most recent addition – and Petillo credits the people behind the programs to be the keys to SHU’s success.
“Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary power of education to transform lives,” said Petillo. “Our university isn’t just a collection of buildings or programs—it’s a community of people committed to discovery, opportunity and service.”
Madeleine Medeiros contributed to this article.
