JERSEY CITY, N.J. – Following a national search led by the firm of Isaacson Miller, as well as broad participation from the President, the Cabinet and members of the Board of Trustees, Saint Peter’s University announced today the appointment of Dr. Michael Soto, Ph.D., as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective July 1, 2026.
“Dr. Soto’s appointment as Vice President for Academic Affairs marks a defining moment for our university.” said Saint Peter’s University President Hubert Benitez. “His appointment reflects our commitment to academic excellence, disciplined innovation and measurable impact. As higher education evolves, we must be both strategic and forward-looking – strengthening program quality, expanding interdisciplinary collaboration, investing in faculty distinction and aligning our academic priorities with the needs of our students and society. Under Dr. Soto’s leadership, we will accelerate progress, deepen our culture of innovation and ensure that our academic enterprise remains competitive, relevant, and mission-driven.”
Dr. Soto had previously served as Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA for 4 years, where he successfully led enrollment growth for two consecutive years, improved retention rate from 71% to 74% and oversaw the creation of the Centers for Civic and Community Engagement and Professional Career Readiness, among others. Prior to his time at Point Park, Dr. Soto spent 22 years at Trinity University, San Antonio, TX, most recently as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of English.
In his capacity as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Soto will provide strategic leadership and executive oversight of all academic functions of the University, including academic planning, program development, quality assurance, faculty affairs and academic success. In advancing academic excellence, he will ensure that our teaching, scholarship and academic policies are deeply rooted in and reflective of our Jesuit mission and values, fostering intellectual rigor, cura personalis and a commitment to justice, service and the formation of the whole person.
Dr. Soto notes: “I’m thrilled to join the Saint Peter’s University community, where centuries of Jesuit tradition come into contact with twenty-first century teaching and learning. My goal is simple: To provide every Saint Peter’s student with a truly world-class education.”
Read more about Dr. Soto’s experience and role at Saint Peter’s University.