Joliet, Ill. – The University of St. Francis (USF) announced today that Michael Poradek, Ph.D. has been named Vice President of Mission Integration. Poradek assumed his role at USF on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
In his role, Poradek will serve as the institution’s chief mission officer and is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the integration of mission through its history, identity and purpose of the modern University of St. Francis. Poradek will also be responsible for strategic leadership and oversight of the following USF departments/areas: University Ministry, Student Affairs, Institutional Diversity, and Sustainability.
“The University of St. Francis is pleased to have Michael join our senior leadership team in this critical role. He brings a wealth of ministry and student support experience from several higher education institutions, as well significant expertise in building and supporting external partnerships,” said USF President Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D.
Sr. Jeanne Bessette, OSF, President of the University’s founding/sponsoring congregation, the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, said that Poradek’s leadership as a lay person in his new role carries much importance at USF.
“As rooted as the University of St. Francis is in the mission of both the Joliet Franciscan Sisters and St. Francis of Assisi, it is also committed to looking to the future. Partnerships with lay people who are choosing to delve into the Franciscan spirit and values is critical to USF’s future. Those willing to embrace our values and breathe new life into them also breathe new life into the university. Having spent some time with Dr. Michael Poradek, I have confidence in his ability to lead with a Franciscan heart and head,” she said.
Poradek embraces the opportunity to serve the USF learning community as presented through his new role.
“I am thrilled to be joining the USF family and to have the opportunity to serve and advocate for the Mission of this exceptional learning community,” Poradek said.
“It is an honor to continue to be part of the legacy of learning initiated by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate in preparing servant leaders, grounded in our Catholic and Franciscan values, to impact their communities and our world,” he added.
About Michael Poradek, Ph.D.
Originally from Oconto Falls, WI, Michael Poradek Ph.D., has resided in Green Bay, Wis., for the past 10 years. He has served in positions in higher education at several institutions (campus ministry, residence life, student life, volunteer programs, service trips and retreats, and adjunct instruction), diocesan administration, and most recently in religious order administration with the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey (De Pere, Wis.) with oversight of the Norbertine Center for Spirituality and National Shrine of St. Joseph.
Poradek earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from St. Norbert College (De Pere, Wis.), followed by a Master of Higher Education Administration – Student Affairs Emphasis from Upper Iowa University (Fayette, Iowa), a Master of Arts in Liturgical Ministry from the Catholic Theological Union (Chicago, Ill.), and Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University (Milwaukee, Wis.), with research in mission-based leadership development for Catholic higher education professionals. He has served as an adjunct instructor for ritual studies and sacraments at Silver Lake College of the Holy Family (Manitowoc, Wis.), for political science at St. Norbert College, and has been a frequent speaker, retreat leader, and workshop facilitator in the areas of liturgy, Christian initiation, and interdisciplinary/nonprofit leadership.
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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 3,300 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu.
University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.
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