The Office of the President

Biography

Keith Taylor, Ph.D., returned to Gannon University as president effective Oct. 9, 2026. He previously served as the university’s president for 12 years, concluding his tenure on June 30, 2023. 

At the conclusion of his original presidency, Taylor received the distinction of President Emeritus following a unanimous vote by Gannon’s Board of Trustees. He was the first president in Gannon’s history to receive the honor. The distinction recognized his distinguished service and lasting contributions to Gannon and the broader community, honoring his commitment to personal and professional integrity, civic responsibility, vision and leadership. 

During his presidency, Taylor established a strategic vision that connected planning and operations, empowering the university community to advance its mission of transforming lives. He reorganized Gannon’s academic structure into an integrated three-college model, established the university’s campus in Ruskin, Fla. and introduced academic programs to meet emerging workforce needs. 

Taylor also broadened Gannon’s global engagement. Through the Barker Globalization Institute, the university expanded study abroad, T.R.A.V.E.L., G.I.F.T. and Alternative Spring Break Service Trips for students and employees. During his tenure, Gannon developed semester exchange agreements with 11 international partner universities, and international students grew to represent approximately 20 percent of the student population. 

His leadership reaffirmed Gannon’s commitment to social justice and Catholic social teaching through support for the Center for Social Concerns and Mission and Ministry. He helped establish the Erie-Gannon Alliances to Improve Neighborhood Sustainability and Our West Bayfront, bringing together government agencies, businesses and community organizations to strengthen the neighborhoods surrounding Gannon’s Erie campus. Taylor volunteered regularly in those neighborhoods and served on local, regional and state boards. 

Taylor made investment in Gannon’s future a priority. The university’s Vision 2020 comprehensive campaign concluded in 2016 with more than $67 million raised to support scholarships, academic programs and services that enhanced the student experience. 

During his presidency, Gannon reached a record enrollment of more than 4,700 students, achieved its first bond rating upgrade and grew its endowment to $83.5 million in the 2020–2021 academic year. The university also expanded access for underrepresented populations and added athletic teams including acrobatics and tumbling, competitive cheer and women’s wrestling. 

More than $135 million in major capital improvements were completed during his tenure, expanding and modernizing Gannon’s facilities in Erie and Ruskin. Projects included improvements to the Recreation and Wellness Center, Nash Library and Learning Commons, Beyer Hall and the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel. Additional investments included the Alstadt Environmental Center, Center for Business Ingenuity, Institute for Health and Cyber Knowledge, South Hall and the Ruskin Academic Building.