Saint Joe Taps Rector to Handle ‘Re-Engineering’
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Saint Joseph’s College Board of Trustees has named the coordinator of efforts to "re-engineer" the college. Barry Fischer, who will serve as rector, is a former moderator general of the school’s religious sponsors, the Missionaries of the Precious Blood.
Fischer also recently served as director of the Precious Blood Spirituality Center in Salzburg, Austria.
Provincial Director of the Cincinnati Province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood Larry Hemmelgarn says "I am very appreciative that Fr. Fischer has agreed to help with the transition and I think he’ll be a real asset. He has vast experience at bringing people together to work for a common goal. Chairman of the Board Benedict Sponseller and I have no doubt that Fr. Fischer can be a healing presence who unites us and helps us stay true to our mission as we move forward. Fr. Fischer will lead the way as we work through this transition."
Saint Joe’s officially suspended operations in Rensselaer May 6 following a tumultuous first few months of the year when the college’s "dire" financial situation was detailed. In February, the board voted to halt operations at the conclusion of the academic year amid serious amounts of debt and a major slate of deferred maintenance and other costs set to pile up in the coming years without a major influx of funding.
Earlier this week, President Robert Pastoor tendered his resignation. The college says additional members of the transition team will be announced as they are identified.