President Daniel J. Elsener to Transition to President Emeritus Following 2027 Commencement; Dr. Kenith C. Britt Selected as Marian University’s Next President
INDIANAPOLIS — September 16, 2026 — Marian University today announced a historic leadership transition that will celebrate more than 25 years of extraordinary growth while positioning the university to build on its momentum for generations to come.
Following the 2027 commencement season, on June 30, 2027, Daniel J. Elsener will conclude more than a quarter-century of service as President of Marian University and transition into the role of President Emeritus. The Marian University Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Kenith C. Britt, Ph.D., currently Chief Operating Officer and Chancellor of Marian University’s Indianapolis campus, to become the university’s next president.
President Elsener will remain fully engaged throughout the 2026–27 academic year, culminating with commencement and the annual President’s Dinner. Dr. Britt will work alongside President Elsener and university leadership throughout the coming months before formally assuming the presidency.
“This is a moment of tremendous gratitude, but it is also a moment of tremendous optimism about where Marian University is headed,” said Board Chairman Toby McClamroch. “Twenty-five years ago, Marian was fighting for its future. Today, Marian is building the future. Dan Elsener’s extraordinary leadership helped make that transformation possible, and the Board has tremendous confidence that Ken Britt is the right leader to carry that momentum forward.”
The Marian Miracle
When Elsener became president in 2001, Marian was still Marian College, enrolling approximately 1,100 undergraduate students and facing significant financial and enrollment challenges. As Indiana’s longest-serving president, he has led Marian through a remarkable transformation. Today, Marian is a national doctoral research university serving approximately 5,000 students throughout the academic year.
During Elsener’s tenure, Marian College became Marian University; launched a national championship-winning football program; opened what is now the Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine, Indiana’s first new medical school in more than a century; established the Fred S. Klipsch Educators College and E. S. Witchger School of Engineering; expanded its Indianapolis campus and its footprint through the Marian University Plymouth location and the nursing site in Nashville, Tennessee; and emerged as an increasingly important contributor to Indiana’s healthcare, education, workforce, and economic needs.
“As we celebrate Marian’s 175th anniversary, I reflect on how the Marian Miracle has always been about serving our students and the cultural, educational, and economic growth beyond campus,” Elsener said. “It began with the Franciscan Sisters who had the courage to follow their calling to create and serve this institution, the faculty and staff who pour themselves into our students every day, the trustees and donors who invested in big dreams, our alumni and community partners, and most importantly, the thousands of students and families who have entrusted Marian with their education and formation.”
“When Beth and I look back over these past 25 years, what we feel more than anything is gratitude. God has blessed this university beyond anything we could have imagined. But I also believe with all my heart that Marian’s best days and greatest impact lie ahead.”
Elsener emphasized that the transition is not a retirement. Following the academic year and President’s Dinner, he plans to take a sabbatical before beginning his next chapter of service as President Emeritus.
“I’m not retiring from Marian’s mission,” Elsener said. “My role is changing. I have complete faith in Ken’s leadership and that his service as President will take Marian University to heights beyond our imagination!”
A Familiar Leader for Marian’s Next Chapter
Britt joined Marian University in 2013 and has served in multiple senior leadership roles. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and Chancellor of Marian University’s Indianapolis campus. He has worked closely with Elsener, the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, donors, and community partners to advance Marian’s strategic vision.
Britt earned his bachelor’s degree from West Liberty University, his master’s degree from Marshall University, and his Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America.
“I am deeply humbled by the confidence the board has placed in me, and I am extraordinarily grateful to Dan for his leadership, friendship, and example,” Britt said. “I have had the privilege of helping build Marian alongside Dan and some remarkable people for the past 13 years. I know where we have been. I know what makes this place special. And I could not be more excited about where we are going.”
Celebrating the Past, Building the Future
The announcement begins a year-long transition designed to celebrate President Elsener’s transformational tenure, introduce Dr. Britt more broadly to the Marian community, and prepare the university for its next era.
“This is a relay, not a reset,” McClamroch said. “Marian is not slowing down. We are passing the baton while the university is running at full speed.”
That momentum is already visible. Marian recently broke ground on the $72 million Center for Human Flourishing as part of a combined $102 million investment that also includes The Grove at Cold Spring. The university continues investing in academic excellence, research, healthcare, engineering, teacher preparation, workforce development, student formation, and the communities it serves.
“Our Catholic identity will remain at the center of who we are, and our Franciscan values will continue to guide us,” Britt said. “We will honor everything that has been built while continuing to dream boldly about what a great Catholic university can accomplish over the next 25 years.”
The Marian Miracle is not finished. Marian University is just getting started.
To learn more about President Elsener and Dr. Britt, visit marian.edu/leadership