LMU President Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D., Announces Plans to Retire at the End of his Term

Loyola Marymount University President Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D., has announced his plan to retire on May 31, 2025, concluding an impactful and transformative 10-year tenure at the institution.

Snyder, who became LMU's 16thpresident on June 1, 2015, is celebrated for leading the university to new heights. During his two terms, LMU created or expanded 40 academic programs, surpassed fundraising records, grew the university's endowment, increased diversity, constructed new academic buildings and residence halls, opened a third campus in Playa Vista, and reimagined the institution's overall approach to visibility.

In a letter to the university this morning, Snyder said he informed the Board of Trustees of his decision to retire "after considerable discernment and with gratitude, pride, and joy for what we have accomplished together over the past decade."

When he arrived in 2015, Snyder said he prioritized elevating the profile of the university - described at the time as "L.A.'s best-kept secret" - and raising the value of an LMU degree.

"This was how we would attract the most accomplished students, faculty, and staff. This was how we would enhance our community's diversity to reflect the full spectrum of humankind," Snyder said. "And this was how we would magnify our creativity. Indeed, this is how we now are igniting a brighter world." The text of the full letter can be found here. 

Board Chair Paul S. Viviano, in a letter to the LMU community, wrote that Snyder's creative vision and leadership have transformed the university, "leaving an enduring legacy that will benefit LMU Lions and greater Los Angeles for generations."

"Despite the struggles observed across higher education, his tenure has resulted in record-breaking successes and gains in academic excellence, visibility, enrollment, financial strength and stability, fundraising, and athletics. LMU's achievements in the last decade have strengthened its reputation and broadened its impact, establishing the university as a powerful force for good in support of its Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount mission."

Viviano said he would be working with the Board of Trustees to solidify plans for a national search to recruit the next LMU president who will build on Snyder's foundation.