Vice President for Academic Affairs Saint Peter's University | Jersey City, New Jersey We are pleased to announce the completion of our search for the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) at Saint Peter’s University. Following a national search, Dr. Michael Soto has been selected for this important leadership role, effective July 1, 2026.Dr. Soto most recently served as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he provided strategic academic leadership for four years. During his tenure, he led enrollment growth for two consecutive years, improved the University’s retention rate from 71-percent to 74-percent, and oversaw the creation of several key initiatives, including the Centers for Civic and Community Engagement and Professional Career Readiness.Prior to his time at Point Park University, Dr. Soto spent 22 years at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, where he served in a variety of academic and leadership roles, most recently as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of English.In his role as VPAA at Saint Peter’s University, Dr. Soto will provide strategic leadership and executive oversight of all academic functions, including academic planning, program development, quality assurance, faculty affairs, and academic success initiatives. He will play a key role in advancing academic excellence while ensuring that the University’s academic programs remain rooted in its Jesuit mission and values, promoting intellectual rigor, cura personalis, and a commitment to justice and service.Dr. Soto received his BA from Stanford University and PhD in English & American Literature & Language from Harvard University.Read the full press release here.Phillip Petree led this search with Steph Simon and Ryan Smillie
