Campus News
Saint Francis transforms academic programming
Saint Francis announced a restructuring of academic programming in January, integrating the university’s mission within the entire student experience by incorporating formation of the whole person throughout academics with an increased emphasis on career preparation. As part of the restructuring, Dr. Angie Harrell was appointed as Provost and Academic Dean.
Academic Affairs was reorganized into a system of pathways that integrate the liberal arts tradition and traditional academic programs with additional workforce development offerings and targeted formation experiences that align with these disciplines.
The seven pathways are Humanities, Faith and Liberal Arts; Allied Health; Business and Leadership; Creative Arts and Digital Media; Education, Human Services and Community Care; Nursing; and Sciences and Medical Studies.
Acquisition of Leffler Academy increases workforce development programs
With the acquisition of the Leffler Academy of Gas City, Indiana, Saint Francis heightened its emphasis on workforce development healthcare education. These programs are delivered at a significantly lower tuition rate in a timeframe to help today’s students launch their careers throughout Indiana. Programs under the Leffler Academy model and pricing structure are available in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis and Lafayette.
The Leffler Academy pricing structure builds institutional aid directly into the cost of attendance. This streamlined approach offers students a clear, simplified price and eliminates the need for separate scholarships. The structure complements the university’s existing scholarship-supported pricing and aid model for many bachelor’s and associate degree programs.
Saint Francis President Dr. Lance Richey receives Independent Press Award
Saint Francis President Dr. Lance Richey received an Independent Press Award for his new biography of entertainer Lawrence Welk.
Richey’s book, “Champagne Times: Lawrence Welk and His American Century,” published by NDSU Press, was named as the winner of the Biography: Historical category by the Independent Press Award, one of the most prestigious book award programs globally for independent authors, publishers and illustrators. The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. Award winners are based on overall excellence.
Lafayette site welcomes community for blessing, grand opening
Saint Francis’ newest site in Lafayette, Indiana, welcomed more than 120 people for a blessing and grand opening on May 12. Most Reverend Timothy L. Doherty, S.T.L., Ph.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, blessed the building, and Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski and State Rep. Sheila Klinker presented mementos to Saint Francis President Dr. Lance Richey.
Saint Francis Lafayette will offer degrees and certificates in a variety of healthcare programs. The first in-person classes begin this fall. Lafayette students have already been taking online courses and participating in clinical work.
University celebrates naming of St. Francis Drive
The City of Fort Wayne recently renamed a portion of Leesburg Road—from Spring Street to Main Street and then continuing to Jefferson Boulevard when the current extension is completed—as St. Francis Drive. Saint Francis held a dedication and blessing for St. Francis Drive on March 23.
The road runs along the east corridor of the university and is a tribute to St. Francis of Assisi, for whom the university was named by its sponsors, the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration.
“St. Francis Drive serves as a fitting tribute to St. Francis of Assisi as we celebrate this Jubilee Year of St. Francis, as proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV,” Saint Francis President Dr. Lance Richey said. “We hope that this renaming will be of assistance as a wayfinding sign for those visiting the University of Saint Francis. The university offers its heartfelt appreciation to our neighbors who made this possible with their expeditious support and to Mayor Sharon Tucker, her administration and staff who helped us navigate this process.”
Lilly Endowment awards $125,000 grant for AI study
Saint Francis received a 12-month planning grant of $125,000 form Lilly Endowment, Inc., through its initiative, Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education.
This Phase One planning grant will support the university’s efforts to thoughtfully explore the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence in ways that align with the Saint Francis mission. The goal of this work is to better equip and support students, staff and faculty as Saint Francis engages emerging technologies with purpose and care. As part of this initiative, Saint Francis is also eligible to apply for an implementation grant of up to $5 million, with a submission deadline of May 2026.
Larry Lee commits record $6 million planned gift to university
Local philanthropist Larry Lee’s desire to help ensure a brighter future for Fort Wayne and its higher education students led to a planned endowment donation commitment of more than $6 million to the University of Saint Francis, the largest planned gift in university history.
Lee’s gift will help students by making education more accessible through endowed scholarships, supporting the social justice center director’s position and enhancing student success through faculty development for teaching excellence. He named endowed scholarships in honor of community leaders Ian Boyce, Kathy Callen, Don Schenkel and Jeff Leffers.
“Larry Lee’s legacy will live on for generations of students who will thrive without financial barriers, increasing their access to higher education,” Saint Francis president Dr. Lance Richey said. “We offer our heartfelt appreciation to Larry for this extraordinary gift.”
Athletics restructures leadership
Athletic Director Mike McCaffrey was elevated to Vice President for Student Life and Athletics and Ryan Bolyn was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director in a restructuring of the athletics department. Bolyn is in his 22nd season as head softball coach and will remain in that role, too.
McCaffrey was named the Cougars’ Athletic Director in 2011 after serving three years as Assistant Athletic Director under Mark Pope. As Bolyn steps into his new role, Kelsey Passaglia will also continue as Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Leader. Coaches and staff will strategically report to the two assistant directors, while Bolyn and Passaglia will report to McCaffrey.
Saint Francis nursing students achieve 100% pass rate
All Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students in Fort Wayne who graduated in December 2025 passed the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) on their first attempt.
Likewise, 100% of Practical Nursing (LPN) students at the Leffler Academy of the University of Saint Francis in Gas City, Indiana, passed their NCLEX exams on first attempts.
“This accomplishment reflects the exceptional caliber of our nursing students, and we take immense pride in their steadfast dedication,” said Saint Francis Vice President for Workforce Development and Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Amanda Leffler. “We continually set the highest standards for them, and our students consistently exceed them.”
Presidential Pilgrimage to Italy
Join University of Saint Francis President Sr. Maria Gemma Salyer and President Emeritus Dr. Lance Richey on a pilgrimage to Italy. Experience the beauty of the Catholic faith in Rome and Assisi. Pray in sacred places, explore historic churches and walk in the footsteps of St. Francis.
- Where: Rome and Assisi
- When: April 5-14, 2027
- Cost: $4,988
Includes lodging, gratuities and most meals and transportation. Airfare not included. - All alumni and friends are welcome.
Join us for a virtual information session on July 1 at 5:30 p.m. (ET) to learn more about this exciting journey.