Get ready to meet Colleen Hanycz, a leader with a vision for a brighter future! As the president of Xavier University, she's not just steering the ship; she's transforming it into a beacon of opportunity. But here's where it gets controversial...
In a time of enrollment challenges and budget pressures, Hanycz and her team have taken bold steps. They've ramped up fundraising efforts, made strategic cuts, introduced new majors, and even established an on-campus elementary school. And that's not all - next fall, most juniors will be required to live on campus, creating a vibrant, immersive academic experience.
But the real game-changer? Xavier is building the first new medical school in Ohio in over five decades! The $109 million College of Osteopathic Medicine is currently under construction and will welcome its first students in 2027. This move is a testament to Hanycz's leadership and vision for the university's future.
So, who is this trailblazer? Colleen Hanycz is a Canadian-born academic with an impressive resume. She began her career as a securities litigator after earning her law degree in Toronto. She then moved into academia, becoming an associate professor and assistant dean at Osgoode Hall Law School. In 2008, she took on the role of principal at Brescia University College in London, Ontario.
In 2015, Hanycz made history as the first female president of La Salle University, a Catholic institution in Philadelphia. At Xavier, she continues to break barriers as the 35th president and the first layperson and woman to hold the position.
Hanycz's personal life is also marked by both joy and tragedy. She and her husband, Peter, have an adult son and daughter, but they also experienced the devastating loss of a daughter in an accident in 2017.
When it comes to enrollment, Hanycz has a clear strategy. She believes in transparency about tuition costs and scholarships, which Xavier is providing to Ohio students through its Musketeer Forever Scholars program. But she also understands that today's students seek purpose-driven experiences. From internships and student-run ventures to research, study abroad, and service opportunities, Hanycz aims to offer a well-rounded education rooted in Xavier's Jesuit Catholic mission.
The upcoming College of Osteopathic Medicine is a priority for Hanycz. She sees it as a perfect alignment with Xavier's mission of care and service. By training physicians rooted in compassion and justice, the medical school will address the critical need for more primary care doctors.
But what truly motivates Hanycz as Xavier's top administrator? It's the students. She finds inspiration in watching them grow into a 'bigger life' filled with purpose, confidence, and a commitment to service. Their transformation into 'people for and with others' is what drives every decision made at the university.
So, as we look ahead to 2026, keep an eye on Colleen Hanycz and the exciting changes she's bringing to Xavier University. And don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments! Is Hanycz's approach to enrollment and the new medical school a step in the right direction? We'd love to hear your opinions!
