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SAINT FRANCIS Magazine

Fall 2026

Pathways to Student Success


A new Academic Affairs structure is designed to create a more connected student experience.

By Reggie Hayes
Photography by Tim Brumbeloe and Steve Vorderman

As part of its strategic plan, Saint Francis restructured Academic Affairs to introduce Career and Formation Pathways that integrate academic programs with formation experiences aligned with each discipline.

Under the direction of Provost Dr. Angie Harrell, each pathway has an assistant dean overseeing it.

“In the pathways model, student life and athletics are no longer ‘alongside’ academics: they are integral to formation,” Harrell said. “Each pathway will have intentional co-curricular experiences so students experience a single, coherent story across classroom, campus and community. Co-curricular life is not ‘extra.’ It is where pathways become lived realities, where students practice virtue, discover purpose and learn to serve in community.”

Humanities, Faith and Liberal Arts Pathway

Assistant Dean: Sr. Mary Augustine Warrell, OSF

Sr. Mary Augustine earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Indiana University South Bend in 2011, a master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Michigan State University in 2013 and a master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, in 2018. Sr. Mary Augustine teaches biochemistry and other courses and is always excited to convey the amazingly beautiful order inherent in creation to Saint Francis students.

Programs

Allied Health Pathway

Assistant Dean: Valerie Powers, MS, ASCM-EP

Powers is a graduate of California State University (BS) and completed a Master of Science in Kinesiology in 2000. She has been at the University of Saint Francis since 2013 teaching in the Kinesiology and Nutrition Department. Her areas of focus are exercise physiology, exercise testing and prescription and stress management. She believes teaching is most effective when instructors account for the whole person and nourish body, mind and spirit in the process.

Programs

Business and Leadership Pathway

Assistant Dean: Elizabeth Unger, MBA
Unger has served in a variety of roles in her 12-plus years at Saint Francis, including Strategic Projects Manager, Director of Experiential Learning, Adjunct Coordinator, Instructor of Business, Director of EPIC and EPIC Coordinator. She is a mission-centered academic leader with progressive experience in higher education academic affairs, program development, curriculum design, assessment and cross-functional collaboration. Unger earned a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University and an MBA from Saint Francis.
Programs

Creative Arts and Digital Media Pathway

Assistant Dean: Jacob Nolt, MFA
Nolt enjoys teaching skills to bring student ideas and stories to life through 3D modeling, animation and game development. His teaching philosophy revolves around creating a scaffolded course structure to gain professional artistic skills for industry employment. He is an alumnus of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh (BS) and Bowling Green State University (MFA).
Programs

Education, Human Services and Community Care Pathway

Assistant Dean: Juanita Oberley, Ed.D.
Oberley is highly engaged in community outreach and initiatives for special education and literacy. She has presented at various professional development events for special education, Catholic schools, executive functions and Universal Design for Learning. Dr. Oberley has a passion for serving students with special needs, especially advocating for growth in this area in Catholic schools. Oberley is an alumna of Saint Francis (BS), Ball State University (MA) and Indiana University (Ed.D.).
Programs

Nursing Pathway

Interim Assistant Dean: Dr. Amanda Leffler
Leffler has made it her mission to turn “I think I might like healthcare…” into “I AM healthcare!” for people everywhere. As the founder and CEO of Leffler Academy, she established her reputation as a pro at building successful nursing programs from the ground up; from the blueprints to big ideas, and everything in between. She earned a BSN at Indiana University Kokomo, an MSN at Indiana Wesleyan University and a DNP at the University of Indianapolis.
Programs

Sciences and Medical Studies Pathway

Assistant Dean: Dr. Joshua Fairbanks
Fairbanks believes that every interaction with students is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference, bringing the material to life and fostering engaging discussions in every class. He believes it’s not just about teaching—it’s about connecting on a personal level and creating a transformative learning experience. Fairbanks earned degrees from Saint Francis (BS, MS, MOL, MBA) and the University of Lynchburg (DMSc).
Programs