Robert L. Manuel, president of DePaul University (Photo by DePaul University/Jeff Carrion)

Robert L. Manuel named as 13th president of DePaul University

DePaul extends a warm welcome to new President Robert L. Manuel, who joined the university community on Aug. 1. Manuel comes to DePaul after serving as president of the University of Indianapolis, a faith-based institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

Manuel brings more than 30 years of academic excellence in higher education to DePaul. He is an accomplished, transformative leader who has dedicated his career to creating life-changing opportunities for students and to elevating the impact of the institutions he has served. Throughout his career, including in positions at Georgetown University and New York University, Manuel has prioritized expanding access and supporting the success of underrepresented populations and first-generation students.

Raised in the Episcopal Church, Manuel has deep respect and admiration for the values that faith-based institutions bring to higher education. He has a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Allegheny College, a master’s degree in higher education administration from Syracuse University and a doctorate in higher education administration from New York University. He and his wife, Wilmara, are the proud parents of three daughters.

On May 10, trustees, faculty, staff and students welcomed Manuel and his family to the DePaul community at events throughout the day.

From left: Judy Greffin, chair of the presidential search committee and vice chair of the Board of Trustees, introduces President Rob Manuel; Manuel’s wife, Wilmara, mingles with members of the DePaul community; outgoing President A. Gabriel Esteban welcomes the Manuel family to Chicago.