University Presidents

Suffolk University, founded in 1906, has had 11 presidents since it was incorporated in 1937. Marisa Kelly is the president today.
Suffolk University President Marisa Kelly, smiling
The current Suffolk University president is Marisa Kelly.

These distinguished men and women have led—and helped shape—Suffolk University.

  • Gleason L. Archer (founder), 1937–1948
  • Walter M. Burse, 1948–1954
  • Robert J. Munce, 1954–1960
  • Dennis C. Haley, 1960–1965
  • John E. Fenton, Sr., 1965–1970
  • Thomas A. Fulham, 1970–1980
  • Daniel H. Perlman, 1980–1989
  • David J. Sargent, 1989–2010
  • Barry Brown (interim), 2010–2012
  • James McCarthy, 2012–2014
  • Norman R. Smith (interim), 2014–2015
  • Margaret McKenna, 2015–2016
  • Marisa Kelly (acting), 2016–2018
  • Marisa Kelly, 2018–