University of Saint Francis names new president
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The University of Saint Francis on Thursday announced Lance Richey as its next president. Richey has been serving in the role on an interim basis since last May, about a month after former President Rev. Eric Zimmer announced plans to step down.
Richey is a professor of theology at USF and served as vice president for academic affairs from April 2018 to May 2023. He previously held roles such as dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and director of the John Duns Scotus Honors Program.
“Dr. Richey’s faithful service to the University of Saint Francis is well-documented, and his commitment to its mission makes him the right person to lead the university,” USF Board of Trustees Chair Richard Poinsatte said in the release. “We are all very optimistic about the future of the University of Saint Francis under his leadership.”
The university said in a news release that since becoming interim president, Richey created an inclusive budgeting process to strengthen USF’s finances, led the submission of a Lilly Endowment Campus Community Collaboration grant proposal, and worked to strengthen Catholic culture across the Fort Wayne campus.
“As the university begins planning for the next era in its history, I want everyone to know that its mission and values will continue to guide all we do,” Richey said. “Now more than ever, the world needs the excellent, faith-based education for which Saint Francis is known and loved.”
Richey will be inaugurated as president in a campus ceremony on June 7.