Saint Joe Rector Heading to Indy
Father Barry Fischer (photo courtesy of Saint Joseph's College)
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe leader of the reorganization effort at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer is leaving the campus. Father Barry Fischer, who has served as rector of the college since May 2017, will become the campus chaplain at Marian University in Indianapolis, beginning in March.
Fischer previously served as moderator general of the school’s religious sponsors, the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, before being named rector. Saint Joe says the move returns Fisher to his vocation of pastoral ministry.
"During the past eighteen months I have been blessed to work with a group of dedicated men and women in the academic, administrative, and facilities management," said Fischer. "Together we have achieved the two principle goals set out for us when I took up the position as Rector: the debt settlement and to research avenues in which we might one day have accredited courses on our Rensselaer campus. The latter is made possible through the collaboration in Mission with Marian University. Now I feel it is time for me to move on and to return to pastoral ministry in which I can engage students, professors and administrative personnel on a daily basis."
The college says Fischer will assist with the transition in leadership before he begins his new role March 1.
"We are very grateful to Fr. Barry for all he has done to bring us to this point. It has been a challenging 18 months and he has handled the many issues facing the college with great compassion and dedication," said Father Larry Hemmelgarn, chair of the Saint Joe Board of Trustees. “We will miss his presence on campus but also understand his desire to return to pastoral ministry and wish him God’s blessings in his future ministry. We know that he will be a great Puma presence at Marian University and the new Saint Joseph’s College of Marian University in Indianapolis.”
The Saint Joseph’s College Board of Trustees has also announced new core leadership for the college. The board has named Bill Hogan vice president for advancement, Tom Ryan vice president for academic affairs, and Kimberly Morisette chief financial officer. The new appointees will "address the future planning and the day to day business of the college in weekly consultation" with members of the board leadership.