Feature Stories Archives - 51��, Fort Wayne

Richey leaves legacy of service and forward momentum as president

Reggie Hayes — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:27:01 +0000

Dr. Lance Richey will complete three years as 51�� president on June 30, leaving a legacy of forward momentum for the campus.

Richey shared his thoughts on his impending departure in a recent 51�� magazine message to alumni and friends:

“With the help of God, and thanks to a wonderful leadership team and an inspired strategic plan, over the past three years the university has made dramatic progress, including:

A new mission statement that reinforces our Catholic, Franciscan identity
The addition of new workforce development programming
A new academic structure to support students’ goals
Site expansion to three new locations in Indiana
Substantial enrollment growth
Greater financial health
Record fundraising for the university

“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished over the past several years, and even more excited about the great things God has in store for our university in the years to come!”

The expansion Richey referenced includes sites in Gas City, Lafayette and Indianapolis while the academic structure of “Pathways” is designed to help students understand their paths to academic and career success more clearly. The workforce development programming addition came via the acquisition of Leffler Academy.

Richey intends to continue writing during his sabbatical. His recent book, ““Champagne Times: Lawrence Welk and His American Century,” published by NDSU Press, was named as the winner of the Biography: Historical category by the Independent Press Award, one of the most prestigious book award programs globally for independent authors, publishers and illustrators.

Richey said he looks forward to his eventual return to the classroom.

“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—and I want to do all those things,” he said in an assembly address to faculty and staff last month. “I also have long dreamed of having more time to spend with my wife, Carol, who has sacrificed—I like to think it was a sacrifice, at least—a great deal of my time and energy to my jobs over the past dozen years.”

“Serving as President of the 51�� has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life, and I am eternally grateful to the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration for offering me this opportunity to serve the university as its leader.”

Richey emphasized his appreciation extends to the board of trustees and its chair, Richard Poinsatte, as well as the leadership team, faculty and staff. After embarking on a one-year sabbatical, Richey intends to return as a theology professor in fall 2027, assuming the honorary title of president emeritus.

Sister Maria Gemma Salyer, OSF, will assume the role of president on July 1, as appointed by the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration.

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51�� announces presidential transition

Reggie Hayes — Fri, 08 May 2026 14:38:19 +0000

Dr. Lance Richey “passes the torch” to Sister Maria Gemma

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The 51�� announced today that Dr. Lance Richey will step down on June 30 after three years as president. Executive Vice President Sister Maria Gemma Salyer, OSF, has been appointed as the university’s next president, effective July 1.

Appointed by the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration—the university’s sponsor—Richey has served as president since May 2023. During Richey’s tenure, 51�� strengthened its academic programs, added new instructional sites, improved enrollment and student success, deepened its Catholic identity and increased philanthropic support.

“We express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Richey for his faithfulness and dedicated service to 51��,” said Sister Margaret Mary Mitchel, OSF, provincial superior of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration. “In recognition, we are pleased to award him the title of President Emeritus as he leaves the presidency and returns to the classroom to serve our mission and students there.”

The transition to Sister Maria Gemma returns the university to its traditional leadership model with one of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration as president. Richey was the first layperson president at 51��. He has served 51�� in a variety of capacities in 15 years at the university, including professor, dean and vice president.

“President Richey has led with wisdom, generosity and a profound dedication to our mission,” 51�� Board of Trustees Chair Richard Poinsatte said. “We are deeply grateful for his leadership and the enduring impact of his service as the university has navigated much change and successfully set a new strategic direction.”

Richey shared his thoughts and appreciation with faculty and staff during a town hall meeting on campus today. He said this is an appropriate time to “pass the torch” to the next generation of leaders.

“Serving as president of the 51�� has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life, and I am eternally grateful to the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration for offering me this opportunity,” Richey said. “I am also grateful to our board, especially its chair, Rick Poinsatte, whose constant support and mentoring helped me every day on the job. I also want to express my thanks to the leadership team at the university whose collective wisdom has often exceeded mine. I also give thanks to all of you for what you do for our mission and students, and for the friendship and support you have shown me over many years.

“One could never ask for a better set of colleagues or a better mission to serve. Words cannot express my gratitude to my wife, Carol, for her constant support and patience—few of you know how much you owe her for whatever I have been able to offer 51�� over the years. Most of all, though, I want to give thanks to God for the incredible blessings he has bestowed on me and the entire university.”

Under Richey’s leadership, 51�� introduced a new mission statement that reinforced the university’s Christ-centered identity, acquired the Leffler Academy and added new workforce development programming, created a pathways academic structure, expanded to three new Indiana locations, increased enrollment, improved financial health and achieved record fundraising.

Richey plans to take a one-year sabbatical and return to 51�� as a professor of theology in fall 2027. “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, as well as emphasizing his desire to spend more time with his wife.

“At the end of his ministry, our patron St. Francis said, ‘I have done what is mine to do; may Christ teach you what is yours.’ That is my wish today for you all,” Richey said in his closing comments to faculty and staff.

Before being appointed executive vice president in January, Sister Maria Gemma served as vice president for Catholic culture and student life and dean of students. She was also the university’s Title IX coordinator and a member of president’s cabinet. She previously served on the 51�� Board of Trustees before joining the campus full time in 2023.

“I am honored and humbled to serve the 51��,” Sister Maria Gemma 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.”

Sister Maria Gemma holds a doctorate in educational administration from Indiana State University, a master’s degree in philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a bachelor’s degree in theology from Ohio Dominican University. Her previous appointments included serving in campus ministry at 51��, women’s ministry at the University of Notre Dame, assistant director of vocations for the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration, and as an educator and assistant campus minister at Lafayette Central Catholic High School.

51�� will hold a presidential inauguration for Sister Maria Gemma on Sept. 3.

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51�� offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. The academic structure at 51�� offers seven pathways: Humanities, Faith and Liberal Arts; Allied Health; Business and Leadership; Creative Arts and Digital Media; Education, Human Services and Community Care; Nursing; and Sciences and Medical Studies. In addition to its traditional programs, 51�� delivers workforce development healthcare programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. 51�� Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. A National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Five-Star Champion of Character institution, 51�� has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend 51��.

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51�� celebrates Class of 2026

Reggie Hayes — Sat, 02 May 2026 20:51:13 +0000

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Following a heartfelt address from Professor Emeritus Dr. Dave Johnson, the Class of 2026 received their degrees today at the 51�� Commencement in the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

51�� President Dr. Lance Richey offered congratulations to the graduates after Johnson encouraged them to embrace their journey ahead with appreciation. Johnson joined 51��’ faculty in 1990 and taught courses across nursing, business, allied health and interdisciplinary studies.

“Today is a liminal space,” he told the graduates, “And a time for pause.”

Johnson asked the graduates to reflect on three words: wonder, wow and win.

Throughout his talk, Johnson used the illustration of a puzzle piece, expressing how it can be difficult to see how a particular “puzzle piece” fits or impacts a person in their life journey until later reflection.

Johnson recalled teaching his youngest son how to ride a bicycle as he discussed the concept of never missing the “wow moments.” After Johnson and his wife Rosie lost their oldest son to cancer, Johnson couldn’t bear to bring the bicycle out of the garage for a long time. With Rosie’s encouragement, he ultimately taught his four daughters and his youngest son how to ride on that same bicycle. He recalled his youngest son finally balancing and turning back to say, “Wow, dad!” as he rode. A literal wow moment.

Johnson further implored the graduates to think of the word win, and he drew upon a speech from former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz, who recently died. Holtz used the acronym WIN for “What’s Important Now.” The coach shared how a huddle in life with those close to you—to determine what’s important now—can have the same impact in moving forward in a positive direction as a huddle on the football field prepares for the success of the next play.

“In life, we don’t huddle enough,” Johnson said, urging graduates to huddle with loved ones, to huddle in prayer, and to carry a sense of wonder throughout those times. “To be inquisitive, to wonder, is your superpower,” he said.

“We want you to hang onto wonder,” Johnson said. “We want you to remember your academic background. It’s never been more needed. Experience the God of creation in those wild moments of sunrise and sunsets.

“You leave here with a lot of puzzle pieces, and you don’t have the box (to show the finished picture),” he said. “What’s important now? You hold the puzzle pieces and the wonder and it’s all connected. And you say, as I say, as Francis would say, praise be to our God.”

51�� awarded 518 degrees to 428 undergraduate students and 62 graduate students. These totals included 54 students graduating in online programs and 64 students graduating from 51�� Crown Point.

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51�� to receive record $6 million planned gift from philanthropist Larry Lee

Reggie Hayes — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:05:00 +0000

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Local philanthropist Larry Lee’s desire to help ensure a bright future for Fort Wayne and its higher education students led to a planned endowment donation commitment of more than $6 million to the 51��, the largest planned gift in university history.

Lee seeks to make higher education accessible—and the experience fulfilling—for students who often face barriers to their education dreams. His gift will help students by making education more accessible through endowed scholarships, supporting the social justice center director’s position and enhancing student success through faculty development for teaching excellence.

“The 51�� has long served as a cherished, valued asset to the Fort Wayne community,” Lee said. “To express my support and appreciation, I am endowing several initiatives that are consistent with my lifelong advocacy for social justice. To recognize 51��’ past role and to assure its future role as a preeminent moral compass and conscience for the entire community, I am endowing the director position for the St. Benedict the Moor Social Justice Center. The current extraordinary director, Francisco Townsend, inspired me to name this endowed position in his honor.”

Lee also expressed his desire to open further pathways for students who are academically driven but financially challenged.

“My endowing 40 student scholarships provides a 51�� education for bright, motivated inner city Fort Wayne high school graduates each year,” he said. “For such students, financing an education at a private school like 51�� poses an impossible barrier. It is a blessing to name this endowment in honor of community leaders Ian Boyce, Kathy Callen, Don Schenkel and Jeff Leffers, who have made significant lifetime contributions to 51�� and Fort Wayne.”

Lee’s gift will also endow an annual faculty award he spearheaded, formerly known as the Leepoxy Faculty Award for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence. “This will assure a tradition I established in 2009 continues ad infinitum,” he said.

51�� leaders expressed their appreciation for Lee’s generosity and longtime support.

“Larry has been a champion of supporting students in and out of the classroom at 51��,” Vice President for Institutional Advancement Reba Copeland said. “His gifts have supported faculty development, contributing to our faculty scholarship in the undergraduate classroom. You can find him discussing social advocacy in our St. Benedict the Moor Social Justice Center with students from around the world or serving on panels across campus sharing his perspective on a variety of topics, from Martin Luther King Jr. to the importance of service to our community. Larry has had an incredible impact on our campus and will continue to do so through his legacy.”

Lee’s gift of $6,060,000 will impact the university in many ways, including:

The Lawrence Lee Faculty Award for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence

Established in 2009 as the Leepoxy Faculty Award for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence, the award is given in recognition of outstanding performance in the classroom by an undergraduate teaching faculty who demonstrates, in the eyes of both students and their faculty peers, their prowess in fulfilling the primary mission of the university.

Francisco Townsend Social Justice Center Director Position Endowment

Established in honor of Francisco Townsend, the current director of the university’s St. Benedict the Moor Social Justice Center, in honor of his humility, humanitarianism and authenticity.

Endowed Scholarships

The remaining four endowments are all scholarships that focus on providing educational access to students in zip codes of greatest financial need (46806, 46803 and 46816) in Fort Wayne. These scholarships can support tuition and fees, books, or room and board. These scholarships, renewable for up to four years, are financial and merit based:

Ian D. Boyce Family Scholarship for Educational Access. Named in honor of the former 51�� Board of Trustees member for his leadership contributions.
Kathy Doermer Callen Endowed Scholarship. Named in honor of the current 51�� Board of Trustee for her leadership contributions.
Don Schenkel Endowed Scholarship. Honors Schenkel’s time of service at the university in many capacities, including as vice president for institutional advancement.
Jeffrey Leffers-Matsumoto Scholarship. Honors alumnus Jeffrey Leffers for his continued support of 51�� students and honors his mother, Kazuko Matsumoto.

“Larry Lee’s legacy will live on for generations of students who will thrive without financial barriers, increasing their access to higher education,” 51�� President Dr. Lance Richey said. “We offer our heartfelt appreciation to Larry for this extraordinary gift.”

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Professor Emeritus Dr. Dave Johnson to deliver 51�� commencement address

Reggie Hayes — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0000

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—51�� Professor Emeritus Dr. Dave Johnson will be the featured speaker at the 2026 51�� Commencement on Saturday, May 2, at 2 p.m., at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

Johnson joined the 51�� faculty in 1990 as part of the founding generation of its nursing programs and has taught nursing, business, allied health sciences and interdisciplinary programming.

“The positive impact that Dr. Dave Johnson has made on 51�� students cannot be quantified,” 51�� President Dr. Lance Richey said. “Hundreds of students have become better professionals and better people because of his guidance, mentoring and friendship. Faculty, staff and all those who have had the pleasure of working alongside Dave are also thankful to know this incredible man. We look forward to his insights and inspiration at commencement.”

Johnson considers accompanying students in their academic, professional and spiritual growth as one of the greatest privileges of his career. Although he has received many awards throughout his vocation, the honors he cherishes most are those bestowed by the 51��: the Franciscan Spirit Award, the Leepoxy Award for Teaching Excellence, the Teaching Excellence and Leadership Award, the Distinguished Honorary Alumni Award and the rank of Professor Emeritus. Each reflects the Franciscan values he strives to embody and the deep mutual affection between him and the 51�� community.

Johnson and his wife, Rosie, deepened their shared spirituality during a pilgrimage to Assisi with President Emerita Sister Elise Kriss, OSF, and 51�� colleagues, renewing their marriage vows during the journey—a moment he regards as among the most meaningful of his life. Together they have raised six children and cherish 15 grandchildren. The loss of their eldest son, Justin, to cancer shaped their family’s mission to accompany others through grief and suffering. Johnson credits Rosie’s wisdom and faith as the foundation of their family life, and together they help others find resilience, perspective and hope.

At the center of Dr. Johnson’s life is a core conviction: God’s presence is revealed in everyday moments of love, service, wonder and awe.

Johnson is a lifelong member of the Catholic community, formed early in his faith through Precious Blood Church and School and long connected to the 51��. For nearly 50 years, he has been an active parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where the rhythms of faith, service and community have shaped his vocation.

Johnson began his healthcare career in 1972 at St. Joseph Hospital, where the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ profoundly influenced his spiritual and professional development. Their mission‑driven care for the most vulnerable inspired his deep respect for their charism and eventually led him to join the Poor Handmaids’ Associate Community in 2021. He continues to support their ministries through education, formation and service on their executive board with the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation.

Johnson is dually certified in adult mental health and holistic nursing and licensed in clinical social work and marriage and family therapy. Over decades of service with Parkview Health, he has provided employee assistance and trauma support, especially for first responders and healthcare professionals. He views compassion, attentive listening, prayer and forgiveness as essential to healing and central to his clinical identity. Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Purdue University, a master’s degree in adult mental health nursing from Ball State University and a doctorate with an organizational psychology focus from Indiana University.

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51�� Scholars take home awards for 2026-27 academic year

Reggie Hayes — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:06:10 +0000

Brittyn Bruns, Madison Pinkerton

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The 51�� proudly announces the winners of this year’s 51�� Scholars competition. Scholarship awards begin in the 2026-27 academic year.

Each year, high-achieving high school students are invited to compete for full- or partial-tuition scholarships at the 51�� Scholarship Competition. All competitors are named 51�� Scholars, signifying academic commitment and excellence. Competition consists of an essay competition and group discussions with other students, moderated by faculty and staff.

This year’s winners with hometowns and high schools:

Brittyn Bruns, Rockford Ohio (Parkway High School)
Madison Pinkerton, Marion, Indiana (Eastbrook High School)

$28,000 scholarship

Grace Brunswick, Osgood, Ohio (Marion Local High School)
Shinny Carmel Gabutero, Fort Wayne (Bishop Dwenger High School)
Zoe Cramer, Fort Wayne (Bishop Luers High School)
Gabriela George, Huntertown, Indiana (Carroll High School)
Seth Hoersten, Hilliard, Ohio (Hilliard Davidson High School)
Sarah Koors, Fort Wayne (Bishop Dwenger High School)
Anfal Mahamat, Fort Wayne (Northrop High School)
Kolbe Mitchell, Fort Wayne (Bishop Luers High School)
Anna Stoltman, Creve Coeur, Missouri (Ursuline Academy)

For more information on 51�� Scholars, contact the Office of 51�� at 260-399-8000 or admis@sf.edu.

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51�� offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. The academic structure at 51�� offers seven pathways: Humanities, Faith and Liberal Arts; Allied Health; Creative Arts and Digital Media; Education, Human Services and Community Care; Leadership and Business; Nursing; and Sciences and Medical Studies. In addition to its traditional programs, 51�� delivers workforce development healthcare programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. 51�� Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. A National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Five-Star Champion of Character institution, 51�� has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend 51��.

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51�� transforms academic programming to integrate mission, improve career alignment and student experience

Reggie Hayes — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:23:20 +0000

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The 51�� is pleased to announce a transformative academic restructuring. The restructuring will integrate the university’s mission within the entire student experience by incorporating formation of the whole person throughout academics with an increased emphasis on career preparation.

To accomplish this, the university is reorganizing Academic Affairs into a system of pathways that integrate the liberal arts tradition and traditional academic programs with additional workforce development offerings and targeted formation experiences that align with these disciplines.

The seven pathways will be:

Humanities, Faith, and Liberal Arts
Allied Health
Creative Arts and Digital Media
Education, Human Services, and Community Care
Leadership and Business
Nursing
Sciences and Medical Studies

The university’s “Renew 2028” strategic plan, along with mission statement’s goal to “prepare students for personal and professional lives of virtue, service, and joy,” spurred the adoption of the pathways structure, 51�� President Dr. Lance Richey said.

“Our mission statement, our strategic plan and our growth trajectory have all prepared us for this moment,” Richey said. “51�� is bringing about nothing less than a revolution in the way we integrate academics and student formation to produce graduates prepared for the world they will enter after graduation.”

Dr. Angie Harrell has been appointed as Provost and Academic Dean. “Her previous work as Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Vice President for Healthcare Relations prepares her perfectly to drive this transformation,” Richey said. “Dr. Harrell’s integrated vision of academic rigor, career preparation and personal formation captures what a 51�� education is meant to achieve.”

“In the pathways model, student life and athletics are no longer ‘alongside’ academics: they are integral to formation,” Harrell said. “Each pathway will have intentional co-curricular experiences so that students experience a single, coherent story across classroom, campus, and community. In this model, co-curricular life is not ‘extra.’ It is where the pathways become lived realities, where students practice virtue, discover purpose and learn to serve in community.”

51�� operates higher education sites in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis and Lafayette, offering traditional and Leffler Academy workforce development healthcare programs. 51�� acquired Leffler Academy, founded in Gas City, in December.

Richey believes the new academic structure will spur greater communication and collaboration across the university to further enable 51�� in the formation of the whole person.

“Renew 2028 calls us to infuse our Catholic identity into the entire student experience while aligning our programs to the needs of employers and the region,” Richey said. “We hope that employers across the region will look to us for opportunities to meet the needs of their industries at all levels while giving our graduates access to meaningful and exciting careers.”

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51�� offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. The academic structure at 51�� offers seven pathways: Humanities, Faith and Liberal Arts; Allied Health; Creative Arts and Digital Media; Education, Human Services and Community Care; Leadership and Business; Nursing; and Sciences and Medical Studies. In addition to its traditional programs, 51�� delivers workforce development healthcare programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. 51�� Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. A National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Five-Star Champion of Character institution, 51�� has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend 51��.

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51�� Athletics announces restructuring

Reggie Hayes — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:14:28 +0000

Mike McCaffrey, left; Ryan Bolyn, right

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—The 51�� is pleased to announce that Athletic Director Mike McCaffrey has been elevated to Vice President for Student Life and Athletics, reporting directly to newly appointed Executive Vice President Sister Maria Gemma Salyer, OSF.

In addition, Ryan Bolyn has also been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director. Bolyn is entering his 22nd season as head softball coach and will remain in that role, too.

“I am delighted to name Mike as Vice President for Student Life and Athletics,” Salyer said. “Mike is a man of faith who has demonstrated his love for the university and his ability to lead with integrity. During his long career at 51��, he has led our athletic department through its most successful period, both within competitions and in the classroom. He is the right person to guide the Student Life division through our next phases of strategic planning as a university. The respect he has from those that have worked closest to him is very evident and I have confidence that the division is in a great place under his leadership.”

McCaffrey was named the Cougars’ Athletic Director in 2011 after serving three years as Assistant Athletic Director under Mark Pope. He has been named to several leadership roles throughout the Crossroads League, Mid-States Football Association and the NAIA over the course of his career at 51��. In his new position, he will oversee Student Life, Athletics, Residential Life, Public Safety, Dining Services, Student Success, Student Engagement, Mission Programming and the TRiO program.

“I am blessed, thankful and excited to begin this new journey at a place where I have spent the last 18 years,” McCaffrey said. “Sister Maria Gemma has been such a tremendous leader for our division and a mentor for me personally. I plan on keeping the vision and strategies intact so that we can continue the amazing work our Student Life team has been doing, while also engaging with our leadership on the overall focus and direction of 51�� into the future”

As Bolyn steps into his new role, Kelsey Passaglia will also continue as Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Leader. Coaches and staff will strategically report to the two assistant directors, while Bolyn and Passaglia will report to McCaffrey.

“Ryan Bolyn is the longest-tenured head coach in our entire department and has been a valuable member of this university for over two decades,” McCaffrey said. “I have complete confidence that he and Kelsey Passaglia can provide the proper leadership and guidance for our coaches on a day-to-day basis going forward.”

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51�� offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, 51�� designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. 51�� Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The 51��, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend 51��.

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51�� appoints Sister Maria Gemma Salyer as executive vice president

Reggie Hayes — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 18:01:00 +0000

The 51�� is pleased to announce the appointment of Sister Maria Gemma Salyer, OSF, to the new position of executive vice president.

Salyer most recently served as Vice President for Catholic Culture and Student Life and Dean of Students. She was also the university’s Title IX Coordinator and a member of President’s Cabinet. She previously served on the 51�� Board of Trustees before joining the campus full time in 2023.

As executive vice president, Salyer will oversee day-to-day campus operations under the leadership of the president.

“I am excited to have Sister Maria Gemma assume an expanded role, reporting directly to and working closely with me,” 51�� President Dr. Lance Richey said. “She pursues and promotes the mission of the university in all that she does. Her new work will help us maintain focus in keeping our mission at the forefront of our service to the students at the 51�� as we continue to grow and adapt to the changing landscape of higher education.”

“We are blessed with a tremendous leadership team at 51��, and I look forward to a bright future for our students, faculty and staff,” Salyer said. “I am excited and honored to serve in this new role.”

Salyer holds a doctorate in educational administration from Indiana State University, a master’s degree in philosophy from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a bachelor’s degree in theology from Ohio Dominican University. Her previous appointments included serving in women’s ministry at the University of Notre Dame, as assistant campus minister at 51��, as assistant director of vocations for the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration and as a teacher and assistant campus minister at Lafayette Central Catholic High School.

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51�� acquires Leffler Academy to deliver workforce development healthcare programs across Indiana

Reggie Hayes — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:01:00 +0000

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—In a bold, industry-leading step to better serve today’s students and the in-demand healthcare industry, the 51�� announces the acquisition of Leffler Academy of Gas City, Indiana.

Leffler Academy at the 51�� will deliver workforce development healthcare education at a significantly lower tuition rate in a timeframe to help today’s students launch their careers throughout Indiana. Programs under the Leffler Academy model and pricing structure will be available in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis and Lafayette, beginning in spring 2026.

The Leffler Academy pricing structure builds institutional aid directly into the cost of attendance. This streamlined approach offers students a clear, simplified price and eliminates the need for separate scholarships. The structure complements the university’s existing scholarship-supported pricing and aid model for many bachelor’s and associate degree programs.

“By combining our resources and commitment to students, 51�� and Leffler Academy will lead the way in changing and increasing opportunities for today’s students of all ages,” 51�� President Dr. Lance Richey said. “We are excited that Leffler Academy founder Dr. Amanda Leffler has joined our leadership team. Leffler Academy has cultivated immensely successful healthcare career pathways for students that we are eager to embrace. We look forward to becoming ‘better together’ in our goal to serve students with the foundation they need to develop their careers and build lives of virtue, service and joy.”

Dr. Lance Richey, Dr. Angie Harrell, Dr. Amanda Leffler

“Leffler Academy is excited to become part of the 51�� and continue to serve students through this tremendous university,” said Dr. Amanda Leffler, founder of Leffler Academy and 51�� Vice President for Workforce Development and Chief Nursing Officer. “We will be able to reach and help more students than ever before, and we look forward to expanding the Leffler Academy model throughout Indiana as part of 51��.”

Leffler Academy programs at 51�� allow students to earn certificates and degrees so that they can move expeditiously into the healthcare field. These programs are useful to learners of all ages, including high school juniors and seniors who are driven to forge a head start on their healthcare careers with college courses and hands-on experiences. Leffler Academy programs will be an asset in continuing 51��’ commitment to offer career-focused dual-credit opportunities to high school students.

These workforce development nursing and allied health programs prepare students for immediate employment or continued study toward advanced healthcare degrees. Tuition for 8- to 16-week certificates ranges from $1,150 to $2,950 per semester, while 1- to 2-year programs range from $5,800 to $8,750 per semester. Students may also qualify for federal and state financial aid or employer tuition reimbursement.

“51�� has a long and storied history of providing training in the healthcare fields, and the acquisition of Leffler Academy heightens that,” said Dr. Angie Harrell, Vice President for Healthcare Relations and Dean of the College of Health Sciences. “Students who will become our future healthcare professionals are the ultimate winners.”

Leffler Academy at the 51�� combines existing programs from both institutions under the new pricing structure.

Degree programs

Medical Laboratory Technician (AAS)
Nursing (ADN)
Nursing (LPN to ADN)
Respiratory Therapy (AAS)
Surgical Technology (AAS)

Certificate programs

Central Service Technician
Clinical Medical Assistant
Electrocardiography (EKG) Technician
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Preparation
Nurse Aide (CNA)
Practical Nursing (LPN)
Phlebotomy Technician Preparation
Qualified Medication Aide (QMA)

For more information, visit or contact the 51�� Office of 51�� at 260-399-8000 or admis@sf.edu.

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51�� offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, 51�� designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The 51��, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend 51��.

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51���� acquires Leffler Academy to deliver workforce development healthcare programs across Indiana