University Leadership

Fr. Malachi Van Tassell T.O.R., Ph.D

Fr. Malachi assumed the office of president at Saint Francis University on May 12, 2014, with his official Inauguration taking place on October 4, 2014.  Prior to this he spent twelve years at the University as an adjunct assistant professor of accounting and served as the treasurer and vicar provincial of the Franciscan Friars, Sacred Heart Province.  Additionally, during his years at the University he served as NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative and Campus Minister.  For more than 10 years Fr. Malachi was deputy fire chief and chaplain of the Loretto Volunteer Fire Company.

Fr. Malachi professed vows as a Franciscan in 1999 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2004.  He has a PhD in higher education leadership from Capella University, a master’s degree in taxation from Arizona State University, and an undergraduate degree in accounting and Spanish from Franciscan University.  A certified public accountant, he worked for Coopers & Lybrand in Phoenix, Arizona, and Arthur Andersen in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a tax accountant prior to becoming a Franciscan.

Additionally, he serves Franciscan University of Steubenville as a member of their Board of Trustees, as vice president of the Foundation Maria Thron study abroad program, and was most recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Association of Franciscan Colleges & Universities. 

Education

• B.A., Franciscan University
• M. Tax., Arizona State University
• M. Div., Washington Theological Union
• Ph.D., Capella University Certified Public Accountant (Arizona)

The most prominent steward of this institution is the Saint Francis University Board of Trustees who are entrusted with overseeing the mission, vision, and advancement of the University.

See the list of current Trustees.

President

• Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D., CPA, Loretto, PA, President, Saint Francis University

Members

• James P. Burke, M.D., Ph.D., Hollidaysburg, PA, President, Allegheny Brain & Spine Surgeons
• Dr. Francine Endler, Duncansville, PA, Director of Curriculum, Hollidaysburg Area School District
• Sherry D. Forney, Altoona, PA, CFO and Owner, Forney Financial Solutions, LLC
• John P. Goodrich, Esq., Gibsonia, PA, President, Goodrich & Associates, P.C.
• M. David Halpern, Esq., Duncansville, PA, President & Wealth Manager, Equity Concepts North, LLC & Mediator, Halpern Mediation/Arbitration
• Shawn Long, Johnstown, PA, Founder and CEO, MedcomSoft/viLogics
• Martin J. Marasco, Altoona, PA, President and CEO, Altoona-Blair County Development Corporation
• Sabino J. Ranaudo, Lemont, PA, Chartered Financial Consultant, Wienken Wealth Management
• Dawn M. Repko, M.D., Cresson, PA, Physician, Mainline Medical Associates
• Sarah Schroeder, M.D., M.P.H., Loretto, PA, Physician, Pennsylvania Vein and Laser Institute
• Deborah Shuster, Hollidaysburg, PA, CPA, Business Consultant and Wealth Manager, DSK Consultants & Seltzer Financial Strategies
• James W. Takacs, V.M.D., Ebensburg, PA, Owner & Veterinarian, Ebensburg Animal Hospital
• Daniel J. Wukich, Jeannette, PA, Executive Vice President, Quest Healthcare Development, Inc.