Terrence M. Sawyer

Loyola University Maryland

Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D., has served as the 25th president of Loyola University Maryland since 2022. Under his leadership, Loyola created and launched its strategic plan, Together We Rise: Loyola University Maryland’s Strategic Plan for 2030, which aspires to make Loyola a preeminent university for student success.

Sawyer joined the Loyola community in 1998, beginning as special assistant to the president for government and community relations. His previous positions at Loyola included vice president for administration and vice president for advancement. He served most recently as senior vice president, where he oversaw an advancement team that raised more than $100 million through the Bright Minds, Bold Hearts campaign and secured gifts to build the Fernandez Center of Innovation and Collaborative Learning. He also led a career services team that re-envisioned the University’s approach to the discernment and pursuit of careers for its students and alumni and oversaw the office of marketing and communications.

As a mission-focused leader, Sawyer is leading efforts to create a nursing program, invest in health and STEM infrastructure, including the renovation and expansion of Donnelly Science Center, welcome diverse record-breaking incoming classes and oversee the expansion of programs and initiatives related to sustainability. Under his leadership, Loyola has launched its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and undertaken transformational construction projects expanding Donnelly Science Center for nursing and growing STEM programs.

Regarding leadership, Sawyer said, “Creating a culture that’s inclusive and positive is the single most important thing to ensure success.

Tactics and strategy are certainly important, but without the right people and the right culture, it’s hard to achieve full potential. Secondly, and particularly in our state, relationships are so critical. We are blessed to have a state where synergy amongst the various sectors exists. Being an active contributor and participant in that ecosystem is essential.”

When discussing challenges in higher education, Sawyer noted, “We overcome these challenges by leaning into our mission, by staying true to what we believe, doing right by our students and providing an education that enables students to be both successful and significant.”

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