Tania Tetlow ‘92, the 17th president of Loyola University and Tulane University alumna, was elected the 33rd president of Fordham University on Thursday, making history as the first lay woman to helm one of the oldest Jesuit institutions in the United States.

Prior to her tenure at Loyola, Tetlow served in a wide variety of roles at Tulane University. Her time at Tulane saw her serve under President Mike Fitts.

“Tania Tetlow’s vision, intellect and social commitment are all part of what makes her a remarkable leader. We are all so proud of her achievements,” said Fitts. “The Tulane community will certainly miss having her as a next door neighbor, but we know that she will always hold New Orleans in her heart as she embarks on her new role as president of Fordham University.”

Tetlow matriculated from Tulane cum laude in 1992 with a degree in American studies and completed her J.D. at Harvard Law School in 1995. 

Her ties to New Orleans run deep, as a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, as member of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival’s advisory board and as past chair of the New Orleans Library Board, the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Response to Sexual Assault, the New Orleans Family Justice Center and the Library Foundation.

Tetlow left her position at Tulane as senior vice president and chief of staff in 2015, to assume the presidency of neighboring Loyola University.

Her presidency at Loyola also marked the first time that a layperson and woman helmed the 110-year-old institution.

Tetlow arrived at Loyola when the university was in the throes of a financial crisis despite deep cuts to program offerings and services.

Her time at Loyola saw her lead a “turnaround of the university, launching new academic programs and increasing enrollment and student retention,” a statement from Fordham said.

Her Fordham presidency will begin July 1.