Dr. James Lentini began his tenure as Molloy University’s seventh president in June 2020. Under his leadership, major goals have been established to expand enrollment and develop new academic programs to meet the needs of students and the greater New York metropolitan area. Milestones achieved include Molloy’s status change from a college to a university in 2022. Building a new vision for the future, Dr. Lentini is leading the development of a new strategic plan that sets a path for Molloy to expand its impact and reach as a comprehensive university that offers top-tier professional and academic programs rooted in the liberal arts.

Accomplishments include record-setting levels of fundraising and grants since Dr. Lentini’s arrival, in addition to the creation of Molloy’s first-ever position of vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion that aligns with the institution’s history and mission as a Catholic institution in the Dominican charism.

Dr. Lentini was elected to the board of The Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in 2023, and serves as a board member of the Long Island Association and the Long Island Arts Alliance.
His accolades include being named to the Long Island Business News “Powerlist” as one of the “60 Most Powerful Influencers” (2022), the Long Island Press PowerList (2022), the Long Island Press “A-List” (2022 and 2021) and the Long Island Business News “Power 25 in Education” (2020). In tandem with his achievements as a university leader, Dr. Lentini is an award-winning composer and classical guitarist and is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences GRAMMY awards.