SAINT FRANCIS UNIVERSITY
University Leadership
Leadership at Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University is sponsored by the Franciscans of the Third Order Regular and governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of both laypeople and Franciscans.
University President
Fr. Malachi Van Tassell T.O.R., Ph.D
Assumed the office of President at Saint Francis University on May 12, 2014, with his official inauguration taking place on October 4, 2014.
In the summer of 2018, the university undertook a major institutional restructuring. The ultimate goal of the re-structuring was to keep a Saint Francis University education affordable and accessible. Building on the solid foundation of Catholic and Franciscan identity, the university affirmed its vital academic programs in health sciences and business. In addition, the university made significant investments in STEAM programs, including engineering and the arts, and affirmed its commitment to intercollegiate athletics competition at the NCAA Division One level.
In 2019, the university launched Francis Worldwide School of Continuing Studies, a school dedicated to offering career-focused, flexible programs for students looking to continue their education. In his tenure, Saint Francis University has created several new academic programs. The School of Continuing Studies recently launched its first research-based doctorate program delivered in a hybrid format for working professionals across various disciplines. A commitment to a relevant, market-driven academic portfolio is a hallmark of Father’s leadership.
Successful capital projects include the Shields School of Business, School of Health Sciences and Education experiential learning commons, and several athletics-related projects. In the summer of 2022, construction will commence for the Connors Family Fine Arts Center, future home of the Resinski Black Box Theater and a newly renovated building for the Occupational Therapy program. In addition, significant progress continues on the capital campaign for the School of Health Sciences and Education at Sullivan Hall and the Immaculate Conception Chapel.
Father is a member of the NCAA Division One Presidential Forum, member and past Chair of the Northeast Conference Council of Presidents, and a member and past Chair of the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities. Previously, Father Malachi served as Minister Provincial of the Sacred Heart Province and Chairman of the Board of Franciscan University, where he led a successful presidential search.
Prior to the Presidency, he spent twelve years at the university as an assistant professor of accounting (full-time and adjunct). He previously served as the treasurer and vicar provincial of the Franciscan Friars, Sacred Heart Province.
Fr. Malachi professed vows as a Franciscan in 1999 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2004. He has a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Capella University, a master’s degree in taxation from Arizona State University, and an undergraduate degree in accounting and Spanish from Franciscan University. A certified public accountant, he worked for Coopers & Lybrand in Phoenix, Arizona, and Arthur Andersen in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a tax accountant before becoming a Franciscan.
Education
- B.A., Franciscan University
- M. Tax., Arizona State University
- M. Div., Washington Theological Union
- Ph.D., Capella University Certified Public Accountant (Arizona)
Board of Trustees
The most prominent steward of this institution is the Saint Francis University Board of Trustees who are entrusted with overseeing the mission, vision, and advancement of the University. The Board of Trustees was established in 1967, replacing the former Board of Control, which had been comprised solely of Franciscan friars.
Chairman of the Board
- Very Rev. Joseph Lehman, T.O.R., Ph.D., Loretto, PA
President
- Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D., Loretto, PA
Members
- Dr. James Burke, Class of '88, Altoona, PA, President of Allegheny Brain & Spine Surgeons
- Rev. Zachary Burns, T.O.R., Class of 2012, Colleyville, TX, Good Shepherd Catholic Community
- Wayne Dedrick, Palm Coast, FL, Managing Director and Regional Manager at Truist Investment Services, Inc.
- John "Jack" Eckenrode, Class of '74, Madison, CT, Global Chief of Security, State Street Bank (ret.) and Agent in Charge of Philadelphia FBI (ret.)
- Rev. Dominic Foster, T.O.R., Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Dr. Debra Friedrich, Bradenton, FL, Nurse Practitioner
- Jonathan Gleason, Johnstown, PA, Commercial Insurance Professional
- Mark Harabedian, Class of 1982, Mendham, NJ, Vice President of CAST Lighting
- Scott Miller Lammie, Pittsburgh, PA, UPMC Health Plan (ret.)
- Paul S. McGrath, Jr., Class of ’79, Pittsburgh, PA, Founder and Senior Managing Director, McGrath McCall, P.C.
- Dr. Larry Nulton, Johnstown, PA, Founder of Nulton Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Peerstar LLC, and Nulton Aviation Services
- The Hon. Judith Ference Olson, Class of '79, Pittsburgh, PA, Superior Court of Pennsylvania
- Frank Pasqualone, Newtown, PA, COO Theravance Biopharma, Inc.
- Rev. Gregory Plow, T.O.R., Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Teresa Kaminski Polley, Class of '82, Norwalk, CT, President and CEO Financial Accounting Foundation
- Jean Payne Rogers, Class of '82, Warminster, PA, Retired, Social Worker, Geriatrics
- Dr. Sarah Schroeder, Loretto, PA, Physician, PA Vein & Laser Institute
- Rev. Jonathan St. Andre, T.O.R., Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Peter Stevenson, Class of '82, Jupiter, FL, CEO Latisys
- Stephen Subasic, Class of '90, Davidson, NC, Executive Coach & HR Consultant, Bedwell Talent Advisory
- John Sullivan, Class of ’67, Newtown, PA, Retired President, ABB North America Power Products and Systems Segment
- Dr. James Takacs, Class of '82, Ebensburg, PA, Owner, Ebensburg Animal Hospital
- Bradley Walent , Class of '96, Grandview Heights, OH, Lawyer, Kayne Law Group
- Rev. Patrick Whittle, T.O.R., Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University of Steubenville
- Rev. Vincent Yeager, T.O.R., Steubenville, OH, Franciscan University of Steubenville
Administration
Father Malachi Van Tassell T.O.R., Ph.D
Title: President
Phone: 814-472-3001
Email: mvantassell@francis.edu
Robert J. Crusciel '86
Title: Vice President for Advancement
Department: Advancement and Alumni Relations
Office Location: Raymond Hall 310
Phone: 814-472-3021
Email: rcrusciel@francis.edu
Erin McCloskey
Title: Vice President
Department: University Communications and Marketing
Office Location: Scotus Hall 205A
Phone: 814.472.3938
Email: emccloskey@francis.edu
Dr. Michael B. McGinnis
Title: Vice President for Academic Affairs
Department: Academic Affairs
Office Location: Scotus Hall 317
Phone: 814-472-3004
Email: Mmcginnis@francis.edu
Dr. Frank C. Montecalvo Jr.
Title: Vice President for Innovative Partnerships & Student Development
Department: Student Development
Office Location: Padua Hall 231
Phone: 814-472-3002
Email: fmontecalvo@francis.edu
Jeffrey Savino
Title: Vice President for Finance and Administration
Department: Finance & Administration
Office Location: Scotus Hall 322A
Phone: 814-472-3261
Email: jsavino@francis.edu
Pete Skoner
Title: Special Assistant to the President
Department: Office of the President
Office Location: Saint Francis Hall 303
Phone: 814.472.3085
Email: pskoner@francis.edu
Steven Soba
Title: Vice President
Department: Enrollment Management
Office Location: Saint Francis Hall 113
Phone: 814.472.3109
Email: ssoba@francis.edu
Father Stephen Waruszewski, T.O.R
Title: Director of Campus Ministry and Chief Mission Officer
Department: Mission Integration
Office Location: Saint Francis Hall 6
Phone: 814.472.2750
Email: swaruszewski@francis.edu