The Board of Trustees at St. John’s Jesuit is pleased to announce that United States Air Force retired Col Mark F. Swentkofske ’84 has been appointed as the school’s twelfth president, effective July 1, 2022. He will succeed Michael J. Savona `75, who has served as president since 2017 as well as , and who will retire in June.
This appointment has been approved by V. Rev. Karl Kiser, SJ, provincial of the Midwest Jesuits. Fr. Kiser stated, “I am thrilled to mission Mark as the next president of St. John’s Jesuit. Mark will bring his great love for his alma mater and his deep Catholic faith to lead St. John’s Jesuit’s long legacy of forming boys who are inspired by Jesus’s love to live lives of service as Men for Others.”
Swentkofske brings many unique attributes to his new role. Board Chair Jeff Savage `80 stated, “Mark is one of the most proud and grateful alums of St. John’s Jesuit. He is a highly relational leader whose enthusiasm attracts others to the mission at SJJ. His skills will allow him to be effective in his role as
president with a specific focus on institutional advancement.”
Swentkofske is an experienced leader with a proven record of success. During his military career, he has been entrusted to lead in unique and challenging circumstances at the highest levels of military, governmental and diplomatic services. Confident these skills will transfer to his new role at St. John’s
Jesuit, members of the Board-appointed search committee recognized Swentkofske’s strength in assessing challenges and opportunities, organizing personnel for greatest effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability, ensuring institutional progress, and creating enthusiasm and commitment with advisors, partners, oversight structures and internal staff.
Don Feller, Chair of the Leadership Assessment Committee, noted “Good military leaders are very skilled at knowing people and quickly evaluating and adapting to different and constantly changing environments. We believe Mark will bring these attributes to St. John’s coupled with a deep love and
appreciation for the hallmarks of Jesuit education – academic excellence, Christian service, and a commitment to developing young men who want to make the world a better place.”
A graduate of the class of 1984, Swentkofske transferred to St. John’s Jesuit from Marquette University High School, another Jesuit high school, as a junior when his family relocated to the Toledo area. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy in 1989, and a
master’s degree from National Intelligence University in 1999. As the next president of St. John’s Jesuit, Swentkofske’s key responsibilities will be leading the Jesuit, Catholic mission of St. John’s Jesuit, sustaining key focus on its strategic vision and directing the institutional advancement program.
Swentkofske stated, “It is the highest honor to be entrusted to lead my alma mater into the future. I am humbled to be chosen for and called to this special vocation. My energy and commitment will always remain focused on accomplishing our sacred mission of educating, molding, and mentoring Men for
Others in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Men of honor and character who will be leaders and problem solvers in the future. I am excited to return to Toledo – a vibrant city with exceptional people. I am completely thrilled to come back to SJJ where my journey began and so many wonderful teachers,
coaches, and classmates inspired me to always serve as a Man for Others.”
