Onward Together: Highlights from the State of the University

The annual State of the University brought faculty and staff together to celebrate milestones, confront challenges with transparency, and reaffirm our commitment to the mission that guides our shared work.

Father James Greenfield, OSFS ’84, Ed.D., president, opened the address with a prayer from the newly-released DeSales University prayer book, “Take Hold.” He followed with a poignant reminder that the word “university”—derived from the Latin for “whole,” “world,” or “universe”—beautifully reflects the role of an educational institution as a unified community working together toward a common purpose.

“Let’s remember today we are one,” said Fr. Greenfield. “We are DeSales University, and when we are together, we are at our best.” He then welcomed members of the President’s Cabinet to share updates from their respective areas.

Father Kevin Nadolski, OSFS, Ph.D., chief of staff and vice president for mission, announced the University’s revival of “Salesian Solidarity,” a concept first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that DeSales remains firmly committed to serving others through the lens of its new strategic plan, Onward!, its mission, and the Gospel.

“Our Catholic, Salesian mission permeates all areas of University life,” he said. “As we look to the future, we will focus particularly on academic programming and its intersection with both the Catholic intellectual tradition and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.”

The ultimate goal? To touch the hearts and minds of students through a transformative education—so that they, in turn, can go forth and bless the world. Derrick Wetzel ’02, M’09, vice president of enrollment management, shared encouraging news that underscores the community’s belief in DeSales: the University is on track to welcome its largest incoming class ever in Fall 2025—one with the highest collective GPA on record.

Other cabinet members highlighted how DeSales continues to invest in the people and places that shape our University community and, ultimately, help tell its brand story.

Several current and upcoming projects include:

• The development and launching of several new programs, including a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist program, a Doctor of Medical Science program, and a business analytics major.
• A new outdoor recreation area featuring pickleball and basketball courts.
• Interactive 360-degree Matterport tours on the new campus map.
• Continued progress on Middle States reaccreditation and faculty handbook revisions.
• The implementation of a new Federal Actions page to help the community stay informed about the impact of executive orders on the University.

“God is good to DeSales University,” said Fr. Greenfield in his closing remarks. “Without all of us here, DeSales University would not be what it is.”