St. Edward's University President Resigns After Turbulent Tenure

Montserrat Fuentes, the first Hispanic president, will step down this summer after 5 years leading the private Catholic university.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Montserrat 'Montse' Fuentes, the president of St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas, announced she will be stepping down this summer after 5 years in the role. Fuentes was the first Hispanic president of the private Catholic university, but her tenure was at times turbulent, including a 2024 no-confidence vote from faculty over concerns about transparency and shared governance.

Why it matters

Fuentes' resignation represents a significant transition for St. Edward's, a 140-year-old institution with a Holy Cross mission. The university's board will now conduct a national search for a permanent new president to lead the school forward.

The details

Under Fuentes' leadership, St. Edward's added a School of Health Sciences, expanded athletics, and launched a strategic plan focused on inclusivity and Holy Cross values. However, in 2024 faculty passed a no-confidence vote against Fuentes over 'grave' concerns about transparency and shared governance, particularly after she initially refused to allow a pride flag to hang at a campus coffee shop.

  • Fuentes announced her resignation in an email to students, faculty and staff on February 25, 2026.
  • Fuentes will step down as president this summer.

The players

Montserrat 'Montse' Fuentes

The first Hispanic president of St. Edward's University, who is stepping down this summer after 5 years in the role.

Linus Akanoh

The current board president of St. Edward's University, who said the school will hire a search firm to find an interim president to serve for up to 2 years while they conduct a national search for a permanent new leader.

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What they’re saying

“This transition represents a consequential chapter in the University's 140-year history. The Board approaches this responsibility with clarity of intent, unwavering commitment to our Holy Cross mission, and a deep sense of stewardship for an institution entrusted to our care.”

— Linus Akanoh, Board President, St. Edward's University (statesman.com)

What’s next

The university's board will hire a search firm to find an interim president to serve for up to 2 years while they conduct a national search for a permanent new leader of St. Edward's University.

The takeaway

Fuentes' resignation as the first Hispanic president of St. Edward's University after a turbulent tenure marks a significant transition for the 140-year-old private Catholic institution. The university's board is now tasked with finding the right long-term leader to guide St. Edward's forward while upholding its Holy Cross mission and values.