Taking Charge

Talented and driven women lead the way in USF’s academic restructuring. They share a commitment to pursuing innovation in higher education.

By Yvonne Schroeder

In times of change, some leaders rise naturally to the top. As the University of Saint Francis begins its first semester after a reorganization into three colleges, women fill many top academic positions. All have advanced in the USF ranks through their gifts, and all have demonstrated they can manage new challenges. They welcome the transformation coming with the university’s change in direction.

Dr. Andrea Geyer, former Chair of the Chemistry department and Dean of the USF School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, welcomes her new job as Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences and Business.

While the scope is diverse—overseeing the Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership and the divisions of Creative Arts, Education, Humanities, Psychological and Social Sciences, Computer Arts and Technology, and Sciences—Geyer sees it as opportunity.

“A college of arts, sciences and business has great breadth leading to new synergistic opportunities,” Geyer said. “We’re going to be intentional in leveraging this in our strategies.”

One direction will be a new digital media management degree combining creative arts, business, computer science and communication. Encapsulating these in one degree creates a jack of all trades. “Graduates will have a concentration, while carrying a broad skill set for adapting to the field,” Geyer said.

Another journey begins next fall, when psychology launches a doctoral degree. “There’s a desperate need for good counselors, so it’s a great regional alignment,” she said.

Being a woman leader brings special insights. “Don’t stop at ‘no.’ I never expected this career, but it doesn’t mean it’s not a fit,” she said. “I’ve always heard, ‘You can’t. It won’t work.’ I like non-traditional learning. It’s not easy, but it’s often worth the adventure. I’ve had to pave my own path and fight to get here, so my skills come from that.”

Three directors bring much to Geyer’s vision.

“Executive Director of Creative Arts Colleen Huddleson has the heart of a leader and insight into students and faculty,” Geyer said. “Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership Director Eve-Lynn Clarke is a strategist and great team leader. Education and Graduate Education Instruction Director Mary Riepenhoff is insightful and creative, creating an education program that is a leader in supporting the K-12 community.

“My inspiration comes through others, and I can’t wait for this opportunity to work and lead with them.”

Tricia Bugajski is Dean of the College of Adult and Distance Education and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. The former USF director of SASS, Student Academic Services and General Education, she was also an assistant professor and assistant dean for Student Success.

As the driver of education for adult learners (typically 25 and older), Bugajski sees refining online learning and the doubling of USF Crown Point in its future building as areas of great importance.

Students at all degree levels will benefit from a plan for new programs in the 100% online format. Bugajski will look at each USF community for learning partnerships, while expanding offerings and monitoring potential for new partnerships.

“Highlighting our Franciscan mission and values as a significant value of our programs will be a goal as we develop new programs and expand at USF Crown Point,” she said.

Personal attributes have supported her throughout her academic career. “My ability to see challenges and opportunities from a variety of perspectives is one way my life influences my work. Also, as a woman, my work is sometimes scrutinized differently, which pushes me to be more thoughtful and careful in my decisions,” she said. “Building trust and strong relationships with my colleagues is another strength.”

TITUS 2:7

PROVERBS 9:9

Her vision for the future is broad. “The College of Adult and Distance Education can be on the ground floor of a rapidlychanging academic world. As institutions of higher education have learned, we can offer programs completely online, and that is a game-changer,” she said.

Of crucial aid will be Dean and Director of USF Crown Point, Dr. Marsha King. King’s role in the Crown Point site during its nascent years has led to an exceptionally strong community presence and the addition of programs of great advantage to students. “Our other directors also return with new ideas and opportunities for continued growth and development,” Bugajski said.

USF’s legacy of excellence in healthcare education will be strengthened by College of Health Sciences Dean Dr. Angie Harrell, as she leads its divisions of Nursing and Allied Healthcare. As USF’s previous Master of Healthcare Administration director, she knows well the culture in which she will serve.

“College of Health Sciences programs have a long history of success, and that has contributed to our graduates being recruited before they graduate,” Dr. Harrell said. “My focus is growing our existing programs and expanding to offer new healthcare programming to meet student and employer needs in the region.” Harrell would also like to fill a particular niche with a new undergraduate degree.

“Healthcare relies on an interdisciplinary team to function,” she said. “I would love to see USF offer an undergraduate degree for students to work in a non-clinical healthcare business. Healthcare has so many professional opportunities outside of direct patient care, and I would love to see USF prepare students to pursue these types of healthcare careers.”

She understands the challenges facing students who are working mothers. “I started working in 2000, and then completed my bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees over the next 15 years while working full time and being a wife and mother. A large percentage of our students are working women, some raising children. I know their struggles. This shared perspective helps guide my decision-making toward what is best for student success.”

Her cadre of team members help shoulder the load. “Carolyn Yoder, Wendy Clark, Lisa Osborne, Rita Deininger, Jennifer Richard, Leah Scalf, Margaret DeYoung, Michelle Gerrety, Heather Lortie, Mark Fransen, Theresa Sorgen-Burleson, Lori Westropp, Matt Hopf, Josh Fairbanks and Dawn Parker are committed to academic excellence and student success,” Harrell said. “Their leadership and expertise help shape the vision of our college.”

She anticipates her new job with excitement. “Any time you start a new position, you are eager to transition into your role,” Dr. Harrell said. “I didn’t envision dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in my first year, but I am blessed to work with exceptional people, and I am happy to be part of a leadership group which embodies our Franciscan values.”