Regis University’s First Female President Plans Focus on Community and Mission

Dr. Shawna Cooper Whitehead, a Boston College leader, brings more than two decades of Catholic higher education leadership to Colorado’s Jesuit university as it nears 150 years. 

Regis University in Denver announced Dr. Shawna Cooper Whitehead as its new president Monday. (Photo courtesy of Regis University)

In a constantly connected, on-the-go world, the new president of Regis University is seeking to foster deeper connection and community — both on campus and throughout Denver. 

As it approaches its 150^th birthday later this year, the university announced Monday that Dr. Shawna Cooper Whitehead, currently serving as vice president of student affairs at Boston College, would become the 29^th president and first female president in university history. 

“The Jesuit values mean something to me, about caring for the whole person, but sometimes that means caring at home, and the reason for even pursuing this opportunity is that it allows me to care for more people,” she told the Denver Catholic. “There's just a tremendous opportunity to see Regis into the next 150 years, and it's truly a blessing and an honor to be able to lead in this capacity.” 

A Path of Discernment 

Dr. Cooper Whitehead, a “native Midwesterner” originally from Champaign–Urbana, Illinois, has worked in Catholic higher education for more than 20 years — a vocation she credits to her mother’s faithful inspiration. Before Boston College, she served in leadership roles at several other institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, MA; the University of Chicago in Chicago, IL; Seton Hall University in New Jersey; and Loyola University in Chicago, IL. 

Through every move she’s made, though, has been a deep spirit of discernment and trust in God’s providence. 

“I've never had always a straight line of where I wanted to go, but I know that that overarching piece was to help people and how can I help people. That's been something that's really important to me throughout my entire life, whether it be volunteering as a high school student, being a student leader in undergraduate and even starting my career as an elementary school teacher,” Dr. Cooper Whitehead shared. “So at each inflection point, spiritually, I'm like, how can I just help more people, and then pursue opportunities that allowed me to do that.” 

That practice of discernment came in handy when the opportunity to lead Regis University came knocking, the new university president shared. From the start of the process, she said she took the matter to prayer. 

“There are a few things I do every day. I pray, I exercise, I try to read. And when I was talking with the search committee, I started with a prayer of discernment,” Dr. Cooper Whitehead shared. “I thought about discernment for not just the search community, but discernment for me. Is this the right move? Is this what's meant for me? Part of that faith is really having God put me where I'm supposed to be, and trying not to worry.” 

Leading Together 

The energetic new leader’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the university, as higher education across the United States continues to face enrollment and financial challenges. Despite these, university leadership expressed a hopeful excitement for Dr. Cooper Whitehead’s presidency. 

“Dr. Cooper Whitehead's much-anticipated arrival at Regis comes at a time of great challenge for higher education, and we couldn't be more hopeful here at Regis. She brings bold vision, contagious energy, and a strong commitment to Jesuit education,” said Dr. Nicki Gonzales, the university’s vice-provost. “As Regis nears its 150th birthday, we look forward to working with Dr. Cooper Whitehead to help Regis realize its full potential as a leading Jesuit Catholic university.” 

“Dr. Cooper Whitehead brings an unstoppable energy, positivity and deep commitment to Jesuit education to the role of president. She galvanized members of the search committee with her vision and, in the space of a few hours, had everyone ready to run through a wall with her. She is the inspirational leader Regis needs now,” added Dr. Madhu Rao, academic dean of the Anderson College of Business and Computing at Regis. 

Archdiocesan leadership joined university leadership in congratulating the incoming leader, emphasizing the important work of Catholic education in an apostolic age. 

“The mission of a Catholic university — to seek truth, to educate the whole person, and to serve the Church and society — remains an important contribution to the life of our region and to the future of the Church,” Archbishop Emeritus Aquila wrote in a letter to Dr. Cooper Whitehead, expressing his hope that Regis’ rich heritage continue to form students in knowledge and wisdom, virtue and service. “Please be assured of my prayers for you as you assume this responsibility of leadership. May God grant you wisdom and strength as you guide the Regis community in fidelity to its mission and in service to the students entrusted to its care.” 

For the new president, this new leadership opportunity is another chance to help, serve and listen — a synodal mission in this critical moment. Recounting her time teaching a “Courage to Know” course at Boston College, in which students were invited to reflect on their identity and mission, Dr. Cooper Whitehead noted the great joy she experienced in walking with students. 

“Talking to these young people and how they're exploring life, particularly post-pandemic, has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. I adored our conversations, I adored the time that we spent together in community,” she said, noting the communal nature of these discussions. “We're not walking alone, and I think it aligns with the tradition of accompaniment and being a companion. So I was with those students in those courses. I worked with our fellow faculty and administrators to, in some ways, model what we want to see beyond the Boston College space and hope to bring some of that to Regis as well.” 

That accompaniment spirit extends in a special way to the Hispanic and Latino communities served by Regis, a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). For these students, as well as their peers from diverse backgrounds, Dr. Cooper Whitehead looks forward to building systems and processes to continue serving, always with a listening ear and an open heart. 

“Part of the reason I pursued this opportunity in the first place was because it was an HSI. If we look at the Jesuit tradition of helping folks on the margins, folks who've been unheard, how we can accompany them was really an important piece,” she shared, looking to the university’s next 150 years of service to the community, which will require the community’s input and buy-in. “What I need most are the voices of those who are experiencing it [so that I can] then build something.” 

A Mission for Community 

As she looks towards her official start at Regis University on July 1, Dr. Cooper Whitehead shared her excitement to continue building community among all students, faculty, staff and neighbors. 

In a recent community gathering with students, she noted a powerful hope shared with her: that students “show up” for each other more, beyond athletics and at academic lectures, art shows and in the everyday. 

“To me, that's what helps make a stronger community and, honestly, a sense of belonging for all because you become part of something that's bigger than yourself,” she said. “So these are things that I'm thinking about as far as building systems, but also addressing some of the challenges we have.” 

What might that community spirit look like in reality? Dr. Cooper Whitehead put it simply: 

“I would love for our students here at Regis to see a student sitting alone and be like, ‘Hey, do you want some company?’ or ‘Do you mind if I just study with you?’ That's the best part of Regis being a community that is close. That allows us to connect in a more intentional and authentic way.” 

In short, this community spirit is “part of what our purpose in this world is,” namely, to love our neighbor and help them. 

“That's what makes the world a little bit smaller. It makes the word a little kinder,” she added. 

For those beyond the Regis campus, Dr. Cooper Whitehead said she looks forward to continuing to foster meaningful connections and partnerships to benefit students and neighbors alike. 

“If there are thoughts and ways of partnering with the Denver community, I'd love for partners to reach out. I'm new to the area!” she said. “I think that just makes a stronger community even beyond this campus. And I think Denver is a strong part of that.”