The University of Saint Francis announced Dr. Lance Richey will serve as interim president in a news release on May 8. Dr. Richey had handled the day-to-day responsibilities of the president over the previous month after Rev. Dr. Eric Albert Zimmer announced his decision to step down.

“We are thankful for Dr. Richey stepping into the role of interim president,” Board of Trustees Chair Richard A. Poinsatte said. “Dr. Richey has faithfully served USF for 12 years and fully understands the mission and goals of the University. We know USF will continue to thrive under his guidance as we search for our next president.”

“I am honored to lead the University of Saint Francis during the upcoming months to ensure our students continue to receive the high-quality experience USF is well known for,” Dr. Richey said. “Our Catholic and Franciscan values have guided this University since its founding more than 130 years ago, and our emphasis on a holistic experience for students remains today. We expect a strong incoming class this fall, and I am excited about serving as interim president and working closely with students, faculty and staff to keep our momentum going.”

Dr. Richey holds the rank of professor of theology and has served USF in several capacities during 12 years of service to the University, most recently as vice president for academic affairs since April 2018. Prior to that, Dr. Richey served more than four years as dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He also previously served as director of the John Duns Scotus Honors Program.

Among Dr. Richey’s accomplishments as vice president for academic affairs:

• Led Academic Affairs through a transition to all-online instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic and the safe reopening of campus, while providing increased academic support and other resources for student success during the public health crisis.
• Established the Center for Integrated Public Health Education and Research (CIPHER) to increase the University’s leadership in regional public health efforts.
• Created Division of Student Academic Support, merging Academic and Career Development Center, TRiO and Library to strengthen retention and persistence efforts.
• Created and implemented ongoing, faculty-driven four-year Academic Program Review process to ensure continual quality improvement in all programs.
• Implemented Professional Advising program for first-year students and oversaw revision of academic advising model across the University.
• Oversaw creation of multiple new degree programs and transition to new delivery modalities to expand enrollment and geographic reach of Health Sciences programming.