University Leadership

The University is sponsored by the Franciscans of the Third Order Regular and governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of both lay people and Franciscans.

University President

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)

Board of Trustees

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.

Presidents Cabinet

President

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.

Administration

	Father Malachi Van Tassell T.O.R., Ph.D Title: President Phone: 814-472-3001 Email: mvantassell@francis.edu
	Dr. Karan Powell Title: Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Department: Academic Affairs Office Location: Scotus Hall 317 Phone: 814-472-3004 Email: kpowell@francis.edu
	Dr. Frank C. Montecalvo Jr. Title: Vice President for Student Development Department: Student Development Office Location: Padua Hall 231 Phone: 814-472-3002 Email: fmontecalvo@francis.edu
	Robert J. Crusciel '86 Title: Vice President for Advancement Department: Advancement and Alumni Relations Office Location: Raymond Hall 310 Phone: 814-472-3021 Email: rcrusciel@francis.edu
	Erin McCloskey Title: Vice President for Enrollment Management Department: Enrollment Management Office Location: Padua Hall 232A Phone: 814-472-3371 Email: emccloskey@francis.edu
	Jeffrey Savino Title: Vice President for Finance and Administration Department: Finance & Administration Office Location: Scotus Hall 322A Phone: 814-472-3261 Email: jsavino@francis.edu
	Father Joseph Lehman T.O.R. Title: Vice President for Mission Integration Department: Mission Integration Office Location: Saint Francis Hall 127 Phone: 814-472-3054 Email: jlehman@francis.edu