The University of Saint Francis is pleased to announce the appointment of Sister Maria Gemma Salyer, OSF, to the new position of executive vice president.
Salyer most recently served as Vice President for Catholic Culture and Student Life and Dean of Students. She was also the university’s Title IX Coordinator and a member of President’s Cabinet. She previously served on the Saint Francis Board of Trustees before joining the campus full time in 2023.
As executive vice president, Salyer will oversee day-to-day campus operations under the leadership of the president.
“I am excited to have Sister Maria Gemma assume an expanded role, reporting directly to and working closely with me,” Saint Francis President Dr. Lance Richey said. “She pursues and promotes the mission of the university in all that she does. Her new work will help us maintain focus in keeping our mission at the forefront of our service to the students at the University of Saint Francis as we continue to grow and adapt to the changing landscape of higher education.”
“We are blessed with a tremendous leadership team at Saint Francis, and I look forward to a bright future for our students, faculty and staff,” Salyer said. “I am excited and honored to serve in this new role.”
Salyer 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 women’s ministry at the University of Notre Dame, as assistant campus minister at Saint Francis, as assistant director of vocations for the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration and as a teacher and assistant campus minister at Lafayette Central Catholic High School.
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Lafayette and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The University of Saint Francis, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.