The University of St. Francis is taking proactive steps to address the current challenges facing higher education by implementing an academic reorganization, designed to strengthen the institution for the future. Under the leadership of President Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D., this initiative reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship, academic excellence, budgetary responsibility and its Franciscan mission of service and community.
President Hendrickson noted, “The University of St. Francis has an impressive legacy and record of producing alumni who contribute to the financial and social fabric of Joliet and elsewhere. The steps we are taking position us for future growth and a bright future.”
Like many universities across the United States, USF is working to maintain competitiveness and adaptability of the university to its students and greater community. USF leadership has engaged in careful planning and collaboration to align academic programs with student interests, workforce needs, and long-term institutional sustainability. These strategic efforts are part of a larger plan to keep the USF competitive, mission-driven, and responsive to the evolving higher education landscape while maintaining its Franciscan values and identity.
Key priorities of this academic reorganization include:
The University of St. Francis will share additional updates as this process continues in the months ahead.
For more information, please contact:
Lisa Sampalis
Vice President for University Advancement
lsampalis@stfrancis.edu
Monday, October 13, 2025
Dear University of St. Francis Community,
Following this morning’s campus Town Hall meeting, we write to share an update with you regarding the academic reorganization process currently underway at USF. This initiative is part of an intentional effort to strengthen the university for the future and ensure that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our current and future students, while remaining competitive in a very challenging market. Similar communications are being sent to our students, alumni, and external supporters today.
As Dr. Hendrickson shared with the campus community, this strategic reorganization will entail operational and workforce reductions. We anticipate that staff employment notifications will occur by Tuesday, October 28. Faculty non-renewal notifications will occur on Wednesday, October 15 in compliance with our Policy Manual.
We remain committed to being open, respectful and thoughtful as we navigate this change, coupled with promoting the well-being of our employees, students and entire campus community. Throughout this process, we will maintain and strengthen our Catholic and Franciscan mission.
Dr. Hendrickson will conduct another Town Hall meeting with the campus community on Wednesday, November 12. That meeting will include updates and strategic discussion regarding the reorganization process and how the University will be positioned for future growth.
With gratitude,
Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D.
President, University of St. Francis
Steve Hernandez, J.D.
Chair, University of St. Francis Board of Trustee
Monday, October 13, 2025
We want to share an update about an academic reorganization process at the University of St. Francis that was recently discussed with our faculty and staff. This effort is part of our commitment to strengthening USF for the long-term future so we can continue offering programs that meet current and future student needs, reflect today’s opportunities, and prepare you for lives of service and leadership in the spirit of our Catholic and Franciscan mission.
Like many universities, we are adapting to changes in higher education. We are taking proactive steps to address immediate challenges at USF, which will entail workforce reductions. We remain focused on your education, your success, and the entire campus community at USF.
The University of St. Francis is fully committed to ensuring that you complete your chosen degree and to keep communication open as plans develop. Dr. Hendrickson will be meeting with the Student Government Association leadership on Wednesday, October 22, when he will discuss next steps. He has also had personal communication regarding this issue with student leadership prior to this notification.
We value you as a member of the USF community and thank you for the care, patience and respect you’ve shown to one another during this time of change. Together, we continue to build a strong and supportive future for all our students at the University of St. Francis.
With gratitude,
Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D.
President, University of St. Francis
Steve Hernandez, J.D.
Chair, University of St. Francis Board of Trustees
Monday, October 13, 2025
Dear University of St. Francis Alumni and Friends,
We write to share an update with you regarding an academic reorganization process underway at the University of St. Francis that was recently discussed with our faculty and staff. This effort is part of our commitment to strengthen USF for the long-term future and ensure that we continue to serve our students and our community with excellence and purpose, while maintaining our Catholic and Franciscan mission.
Guided by our mission, we are aligning our programs with student interests and workforce needs to remain strong, relevant and purposeful for the future. As Dr. Hendrickson has shared with the campus community, this reorganization will entail some difficult steps, including operational and workforce reductions.
This process is guided by the same values that have defined USF for more than a century with care for each individual, stewardship of our resources, and a deep sense of responsibility to the students and communities we serve. Our mission remains to prepare students for lives of service and leadership. We approach this work with openness, respect, and gratitude for the dedication of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Together, we will build a more vibrant future for USF and those we serve.
Thank you for your commitment to the University of St. Francis.
With gratitude,
Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D.
President, University of St. Francis
Steve Hernandez, J.D.
Chair, University of St. Francis Board of Trustees
