UD President Announces Retirement After 11 Years

Eric F. Spina to step down no later than June 2027 to spend more time with family

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The president of the University of Dayton, Eric F. Spina, has announced his retirement after 11 years leading the university. In a letter to the campus community, Spina said he will retire no later than June 2027, noting it is the "hardest thing" he has ever done but that it is time for him and his wife to spend more time together and for the university to benefit from "a new skill set" and "fresh perspective."

Why it matters

Spina's retirement marks a significant transition for the University of Dayton, a prominent private Catholic university in Ohio. As president, Spina has overseen the university's strategic direction and growth over the past decade, and his departure will allow the institution to chart a new course under new leadership.

The details

In his letter, Spina said he is leaving behind the university's "inspiring and compelling Marianist mission," its leadership team, faculty and staff, alumni, donors, and the students he "truly adores." The University of Dayton board of trustees has engaged an executive search firm to support the transition process as they seek Spina's successor.

  • Spina announced his retirement in a letter to the campus community on February 6, 2026.
  • Spina plans to retire no later than June 2027.

The players

Eric F. Spina

The president of the University of Dayton, who has announced his retirement after 11 years leading the university.

University of Dayton

A prominent private Catholic university located in Dayton, Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“Choosing to retire from the University I dearly love — and leaving behind its inspiring and compelling Marianist mission, a first-class leadership team I cherish, a faculty and staff I respect and admire, and alumni, donors, and community members who have become friends, and, especially, leaving students whom I truly adore — is, without a doubt, the hardest thing I have ever done.”

— Eric F. Spina, President, University of Dayton (whio.com)

“UD can benefit from a new skill set, a fresh perspective — and the opportunity to stretch even higher as a University that has always adapted and changed for the times.”

— Eric F. Spina, President, University of Dayton (whio.com)

What’s next

The University of Dayton board of trustees is engaging an executive search firm to support the transition process and find Spina's successor.

The takeaway

Spina's retirement after 11 years as president marks a significant transition for the University of Dayton, as the institution seeks new leadership to build upon its Marianist mission and continue adapting to the changing times in higher education.