At the September 12th Leon Hess Business Council meeting, Monmouth University President Patrick Leahy expressed deep appreciation for the longstanding partnership with the Council and the invaluable student engagement opportunities it provides. Entering his 14th year with renewed energy, President Leahy painted a picture of a university reaching unprecedented levels of achievement and recognition.
Leahy pointed out that Monmouth has earned the prestigious Carnegie Research classification, joining an elite group of only 500 universities nationwide. This recognition coincides with a clean review from the Middle States Commission, which awarded the University 12 commendations across academic, financial, and co-curricular areas. The University’s exceptional financial health is reflected in its 6.8 Independent Colleges Financial Index score—well above the 3.0 baseline—and zero debt position.
President Leahy also looks forward to a spotlight on the University to help build its brand and attract top students and faculty. The ambitious $175 million “Excellence, Access, Ambition” campaign continues to build momentum since launching in December and is focused on accessibility initiatives and other strategic investments to enrich the University’s learning environment. Major investments are transforming the campus landscape, highlighted by the $50 million Bruce Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music, opening spring 2026 and fully grant-funded. Leahy also pointed to the University’s membership in the Coastal Athletic Association for the past 2 years, which has enhanced both competitive opportunities and recruiting capabilities up and down the east coast.
Record enrollment figures underscore Monmouth’s growing appeal, with 888 first-year students maintaining the highest-ever 3.67 average GPA, and 56% representing first-generation or low-income backgrounds. President Leahy emphasized how this commitment to accessibility aligns with the University’s mission while maintaining academic excellence.
Leahy admitted he is the envy of his peers as the President of Monmouth University – a growing and thriving center for higher-education that offers unprecedented value for its students.