Dear Alumni and Friends,

In the words of our patron, St. Francis of Assisi, “Pax et Bonum!” We celebrated commencement on May 2 and ushered almost 500 new alumni into our communities to serve and thrive. What a joy it is to be a part of their journey!

When I first came to the University of Saint Francis 15 years ago to join the Theology faculty, I knew this was where I wanted to spend my career, helping provide an education that prepares students for personal and professional lives of virtue, service and joy. Since then, I have been blessed to serve the university in many roles, culminating in that of president. I give thanks to God for these opportunities to advance our mission and serve our students.

With the help of God, and thanks to a wonderful leadership team and an inspired strategic plan, over the past three years the university has made dramatic progress, including:

• A new mission statement that reinforces our Catholic, Franciscan identity
• The addition of new workforce development programming
• A new academic structure to support students’ goals
• Site expansion to three new locations in Indiana
• Substantial enrollment growth
• Greater financial health
• Record fundraising for the university

I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished over the past several years, and even more excited about the great things God has in store for our university in the years to come!

However, with a clear path to follow and a strong team to lead the university forward, this is the appropriate time for me to hand off leadership to others and return to my first calling—that of teacher. On July 1, I will step into the role of President Emeritus and take a long-desired sabbatical for the 2026-27 academic year. After that, I plan to return to the Theology faculty and continue serving our incredible mission in the classroom.

As most of you know, Sister Maria Gemma Salyer, OSF, will serve as the next president of the university. This reinstates a long heritage of Sisters in leadership. Sister Maria Gemma has served the university in wonderful ways over the years and will be a steadfast leader in the next chapter at the university.

I look forward to connecting with many of you over the next couple of months and upon my return in the 2027-28 academic year.

God bless,

Dr. Lance Richey