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Â鶹´å Appoints the Rev. David Cregan, OSA, PhD, as Dean of the College of Professional Studies

Â鶹´å President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS, announced the appointment of the Rev. David Cregan, OSA, PhD, ’89 CLAS, as Dean of the College of Professional Studies, effective August 1. A member of Villanova’s faculty since 2004, Father Cregan has extensive experience in academic leadership roles and currently serves as associate dean of Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives for the College of Professional Studies.

Deeksha Seth, PhD, and Her Students Combine Technology and Nature to Advance STEM Education

Autonomous vehicles navigating city streets, drones dropping packages on doorsteps, and virtual reality immersing gamers in fantastical worlds—robotics and virtual reality have become integral to our daily lives, streamlining tasks and transforming entertainment. At Â鶹´å, Deeksha Seth, PhD, assistant professor of Mechanical Engineering, is harnessing these powerful technologies for a different purpose: revolutionizing engineering education and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Â鶹´å Names Christine Kelleher Palus, PhD, Senior Vice Provost for Academics

Â鶹´å has announced the appointment of Christine Kelleher Palus, PhD, as Senior Vice Provost for Academics, effective August 1, 2025. A member of Villanova’s faculty since 2006, Dr. Palus has extensive experience in academic leadership roles and most recently served as Dean of the University’s College of Professional Studies. Dr. Palus holds the rank of professor in the Department of Public Administration.

Augustinian Friar and Â鶹´å Alumnus Elected Pope

On May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, OSA, ’77 CLAS was elected the 267^th head of the Catholic Church and the Sovereign of the Vatican City State during the second day of the papal conclave held in the Sistine Chapel. He assumes the papacy under the name Pope Leo XIV. A Â鶹´å alumnus, Pope Leo XIV is the first Pope from the United States and the first Augustinian friar to be elected pontiff.

Â鶹´å Cabrini Campus Opening in 2026

Â鶹´å’s new 112-acre Cabrini Campus will open in August 2026, providing the opportunity for the University to enhance its programs and commitment to advancing Catholic higher education. This addition will support all aspects of campus life, providing a space that nurtures a true living and learning experience in Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic tradition.