The University of Saint Francis is turning a major page in its history. President Lance Richey is stepping down on June 30, and Sister Maria Gemma Salyer will take the reins on July 1. The Fort Wayne campus made the announcement Friday, signaling a return to its century old tradition of religious leadership at the top.

Richey Closes a Defining Chapter at Fort Wayne Campus

Richey shared the news during an emotional town hall meeting with faculty and staff on Friday morning. He told the room it was time to “pass the torch” to the next generation of leaders.

Appointed by the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in May 2023, Richey holds the distinction of being the first layperson ever to lead the Catholic university.

His connection to Saint Francis stretches back more than 15 years. Before taking the top job, he served as a professor, dean, and vice president on the same campus he soon prepares to leave.

The Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, who sponsor the university, have awarded him the title of President Emeritus. Richey plans to take a one year sabbatical and return to the classroom as a professor of theology in fall 2027.

“Serving as president of the University of Saint Francis has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” Richey said, thanking God, his wife, the Sisters, the board of trustees, and university leadership.

A Track Record That Reshaped Campus Life

University leaders point to a list of wins under Richey’s watch. His three year tenure pulled the institution through a period of heavy change while setting a fresh strategic direction.

Here is a quick look at the milestones the university credits to his leadership:

• Stronger academic programs across schools and departments
• Steady gains in enrollment and student success rates
• New instructional sites that widened the university’s footprint
• A deeper commitment to its Catholic identity and mission
• Significant growth in philanthropic giving

Richard Poinsatte, chair of the Saint Francis Board of Trustees, said Richey “has led with wisdom, generosity, and a profound dedication to our mission.” He praised the lasting impact of that service as the university charted a new course.

Margaret Mary Mitchel, provincial superior of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, also offered a warm farewell. “We express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Richey for his faithfulness and dedicated service to Saint Francis,” she said.

Sister Maria Gemma Salyer Steps Into the Top Role

Salyer brings deep roots and a fresh energy to the presidency. She was named Executive Vice President in January 2026, where she has overseen the day to day operations of the campus.

Her résumé inside Saint Francis runs long. She has previously served as Vice President for Catholic Culture and Student Life, Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator, and a member of the President’s Cabinet.

She also sat on the Saint Francis Board of Trustees before joining the campus full time in 2023. That history gives her a rare blend of governance and ground level experience.

Her appointment marks a return to tradition. For most of its history, the university has been led by a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration.

“I am honored and humbled to serve the University of Saint Francis,” Salyer said. “I look forward to walking alongside students, faculty, staff, and alumni as together we advance our shared mission to provide an encounter with the heart and mind of Jesus Christ.”

Education, Ministry, and a Mission Driven Path

Salyer’s academic credentials line up with her new role. She holds a doctorate in educational administration from Indiana State University, with a focus on higher education leadership.

She also earned a master’s degree in philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a bachelor’s degree in theology from Ohio Dominican University. She joined the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration in 2006.

Her ministry work outside the classroom is just as varied. She has held roles in campus ministry at Saint Francis, women’s ministry at the University of Notre Dame, and vocations work for her religious community.

She also worked as an educator and assistant campus minister at Lafayette Central Catholic High School, giving her direct experience with younger students preparing for higher education.

What Comes Next for the University

The university plans to host a presidential inauguration for Salyer on September 3. The ceremony will officially open her chapter as the institution’s leader.

Richey, meanwhile, will spend the coming year writing, resting, and preparing for his return to teaching. “At heart, I am a scholar and teacher, and there are still books to be written, students to be taught, and new intellectual adventures to be lived,” he said.

For students returning in the fall, the change at the top will feel familiar in many ways. Salyer is already a known presence on campus, and her promotion offers continuity even as it closes one era and opens another.

The handover at Saint Francis is more than a routine leadership change. It is a rare blend of gratitude, faith, and forward motion, where a beloved scholar steps aside with grace and a trusted sister steps up with hope. Students, alumni, and supporters in Fort Wayne are watching closely, knowing the heart of this Catholic university is in steady hands. Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell us what you hope to see from the new president.