University Leadership

University President

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

The Very Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R. assumed the office of President at Saint Francis University on May 12, 2014, with his official inauguration taking place on October 4, 2014.  He is now in his second decade of the Presidency at Saint Francis.  

Recent accomplishments under his leadership include: 

• Creation of the Alta Via program for students seeking a deeper theological education in Franciscanism, a meaningful campus ministry experience, and accompaniment by a Franciscan friar.  The Alta Via endowment was initially funded with a generous donation from the Franciscan Friars, TOR.  The capstone student pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi is funded by the TOR Endowment, generously funded by Lou ’59 and Pat DiCerbo. 
• In September 2024, the Aviation Education Center was opened at the John Murtha Cambria County Johnstown Airport.  The venue is home to the Aviation Maintenance Technician program, as well as the partnership with Nulton Aviation for the University’s aviation pilot program.   
• In 2022, the University opened academic and research space in the Curry Innovation Center in downtown Altoona.  This space visibly represents the University’s partnership with the Curry family of companies.  SFU acts as research arm for Curry in the areas of engineering and marketing, as well as other projects of opportunity.   
• In 2020, campus ministry partnered with FOCUS missionaries.  Four to five missionaries serve annually on campus, inviting students to Mass, Bible Studies, and religious retreats. 
• Two MSCHE reaccreditation processes have been successfully completed. 
• From 2022-2025, Father Malachi was been a faculty member of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities’ Institute for New Presidents.  
• In late 2025, Father will lead the University community in the development of the University’s third strategic plan under his leadership.  The focus will remain on developing innovative academic programs with amazing outcomes.  Special area of focus will be on campus culture, to develop living and learning spaces for virtuous campus living.    

Father Malachi’s second strategic plan for the University was launched in October of 2022.  Francis 2026: Thy Will Be Done included goals of increasing the endowment for scholarships, keeping a Saint Francis University education 1 affordable and accessible, as well as growth through the Division of Professional Studies.  The University continues to develop mission-fit, innovative partnerships in areas that include aviation and healthcare.   

In 2022 the University celebrated its 175th anniversary.  The stated financial goal for the capital campaign for the 175th was exceeded by $1,000,000.  The newly restored Immaculate Conception Chapel was blessed on December 8, 2022 at a Mass to celebrate the culmination of the anniversary year. 

Completed capital projects include the seven million dollar Connors Family Center for Fine Arts home of the Resinski  Black Box Theater, blessed and dedicated in April of 2024, and the eight million dollar Saint Margaret Hall in the School of Health Sciences and Education Complex, blessed and dedicated in October, 2023.  Additional successful capital projects include the seven million dollar Shields School of Business, four million dollar School of Health Sciences and Education experiential learning commons, and several athletics-related projects.   

Father Malachi brought his first strategic plan, Francis 2020: A Clear Vision for Saint Francis University to completion.  In the summer of 2018, the university undertook a major institutional restructuring.  Building on the solid foundation of Catholic and Franciscan identity, the university affirmed its strong academic programs in health sciences and business.  The university made major investments in STEAM programs, including engineering and the arts.  Operating efficiencies have been achieved to keep the institution nimble during challenging times.  At that time, the university affirmed its commitment to intercollegiate athletics competition at the Division One level of the NCAA.   

Father is currently a Board member of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities.  Father is a member and past-Chair of the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities.  Father previously served on the NCAA Presidential Forum.   

In the first half of 2019, Father Malachi served as Minister Provincial of the Sacred Heart Province and Chairman of the Board of Franciscan University, where he led a successful presidential search. 

Prior to the Presidency, he spent twelve years at the University as an assistant professor of accounting (full-time and adjunct).  He previously served as the treasurer and vicar provincial of the Franciscan Friars, Sacred Heart Province.  Father Malachi was a volunteer in the Loretto Volunteer Fire Department for ten years, retiring from the fire service as Deputy Chief in 2013.       

Fr. Malachi professed vows as a Franciscan in 1999 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2004. He earned a PhD in higher education leadership from Capella University, a master’s degree in taxation from Arizona State University, and an 2 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. 

Education

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