About the President
About Sr. Maria Gemma Salyer, OSF
Sister Maria Gemma Salyer, OSF, became the 12th president of the University of Saint Francis on July 1, 2026, appointed by the founding Congregation, the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration.
Sister Maria Gemma began serving at Saint Francis in 2023, becoming the vice president for Catholic culture and student life. She also served as dean of students and Saint Francis Title IX coordinator. She was named executive vice president in January 2026.
During her service as vice president and executive vice president, Sister Maria Gemma helped the university institute a new Mission Statement and the Renew 2028 strategic plan. She was also instrumental in changing Academic Affairs into a system of pathways, acquiring Leffler Academy of Gas City for healthcare workforce development programs and expanding Saint Francis to Lafayette, Indiana, where the university was founded in 1890.
Sister Maria Gemma holds a doctorate in educational administration from Indiana State University, a master’s degree in philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a bachelor’s degree in theology from Ohio Dominican University. Her previous appointments included serving in campus ministry at Saint Francis, women’s ministry at the University of Notre Dame, assistant director of vocations for the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration and as an educator and assistant campus minister at Lafayette Central Catholic High School.