DeSales Creates Office of Mission
Ask Father Kevin Nadolski, OSFS, to describe his new role at DeSales and he'll give you a simple answer: light shiner.
As vice president for mission, Fr. Nadolski oversees the new Office of Mission—just one of the additions to campus since Father James Greenfield, OSFS '84, became president.
"I would like to see that the Office of Mission is a catalyst for collaboration," says Fr. Nadolski. "The mission of the University belongs to all of us."
The idea of a chief mission officer has been gaining traction in Catholic higher education, and the creation of the office was one of the recommendations of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) during DeSales' reaccreditation process.
"Since there are fewer and fewer priests, brothers, and sisters who are leading Catholic colleges and universities, the trend that is emerging is that it's really best to have one person in place to lead efforts that can advance the Catholic identity."
He views his role as that of a light shiner or amplifier—highlighting places around campus where the mission is alive, well, and being advanced. One recent example that stands out to him is that of Brianna Stilp, who recently helped to welcome international students to campus.
"She gave up a whole day out of the kindness of her heart because she had been an international student last semester and it was a great experience for her. It was just her way of advancing the cause. I would say she was advancing the mission because hospitality and inclusion are essential to Catholic identity."
Fr. Nadolski, who is currently finishing his Ph.D. in Catholic higher education, is no stranger to DeSales. He previously served on the Board of Trustees and is a board member of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival.
He previously worked as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal at Catholic high schools. But he has always been drawn to work for a Catholic college or university.
"It's long been a personal desire of mine as I understand the unfolding of my vocation as an Oblate priest to work in Catholic higher education. I never let it go."