Iona University has announced that James Mustich, a nationally renowned author, editor, and digital innovator, has returned to serve as a senior advisor to the president. Mustich, who most recently served as the head of the U.S. Book Store at Apple Books, brings with him a track record of successful innovation in the digital space.

During his previous tenure at Iona as an executive-in-residence, Mustich played a crucial role in guiding the university on a path of innovation, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. He implemented new strategies focused on fostering student success, promoting academic excellence, and attracting top talent.

These strategies have contributed to Iona's growth, with new student enrollment increasing by nearly 30 percent since 2019. The university has also received recognition from prestigious sources such as The Princeton Review and The Wall Street Journal, which ranked Iona as the #66 Best College in America and the #8 best Catholic college in the nation.

Iona President Seamus Carey, Ph.D., expressed his excitement about Mustich's return, stating, "Given his track record of successful innovation, his insights will help to drive the development of new strategies that position Iona on the cutting-edge of higher education."

In his new role, Mustich will be responsible for researching data, trends, and technological innovations that influence higher education. He will work closely with the president to propose and pilot projects that enhance Iona's position as an industry leader. Mustich will also support faculty development and training initiatives to meet the challenges of new technology and the evolving educational landscape.

Mustich expressed his honor and excitement at returning to Iona, stating, "Together with Dr. Carey and the Iona team, I look forward to building upon the University's success to envision a bright future and discover the strategies and initiatives that will take us to it."

Mustich's career in the book industry has been marked by innovation. He co-founded and published the mail-order book catalog, "A Common Reader: Books for Readers with Imagination," before successfully transitioning into the digital age. As a senior leader at Barnes & Noble, he developed and launched numerous new products and experiences that brought the power of digital technology to book discovery.

Iona University, founded in 1940, is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning. With campuses in New Rochelle and Bronxville, New York, Iona is dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace, and service. The university offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

With Mustich's expertise and innovative approach, Iona University is poised to continue its growth and remain at the forefront of higher education.