Stephen Hildebrand

STEUBENVILLE — Franciscan University of Steubenville announced the appointment of Stephen Hildebrand as vice president for academic affairs. Hildebrand, dean of the School of Theology and Philosophy at Franciscan University, was selected from 31 applicants following a nationwide search that began last summer.

He will assume the role of the school’s chief academic officer following the retirement of Daniel Kempton, who has served in the position since June 2011.

“I am so pleased Hildebrand has accepted my invitation to be our next vice president for academic affairs,” said the Rev. Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of the university. “After an extensive search, it became clear Hildebrand is the right person for Franciscan at this time in our history. He has been with Franciscan for more than 20 years and has demonstrated visionary leadership in so many areas. He is respected by his fellow professors and staff members and loved by his students. I look forward to working with Hildebrand as we chart the next 75 years of Franciscan University.”

“It’s a great honor for me to serve as Franciscan’s vice president for academic affairs,” said Hildebrand. “This is a special place. From top to bottom, this university is centered on Christ. We strive to integrate excellent academic formation in the liberal and professional arts with a life faithful to the broader demands of the Gospel. I look forward to working in this new role alongside Franciscan’s truly outstanding faculty, whom I am honored to call friends and colleagues.”

Expressing his gratitude for how Franciscan has transformed him personally and professionally, he added, “I am humbled and grateful to Pivonka and the university for the chance to give back to the community that has given so much to me and to my family.”

Moving from Houston, where he taught Latin at St. Agnes Academy, Hildebrand began teaching theology at Franciscan University in 2001 and was awarded tenure in 2008. His administrative and leadership experience includes serving as chair of the Department of Theology from June 2015 to June 2022, and as dean of the School of Theology and Philosophy since July 2022. Previously, he directed Franciscan’s master”s of arts in theology program from June 2008 to May 2015 and chaired the Faculty Welfare Committee from August 2018 to May 2022. Following two years as Franciscan University Press’ acquisitions editor, he became a member of its editorial board in 2016.

Hildebrand led the university’s effort to create its first doctoral program, a PhD in sacred theology, which, pending approval by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission, is expected to begin in fall 2024.

Hildebrand also has received his master’s and PhD in historical theology from Fordham University and has bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and mathematics from the University of St. Thomas and in German from Franciscan University. His doctoral dissertation, which he wrote under the direction of the Rev. Joseph T. Lienhard, SJ, was entitled, “Linguistic Achievement and Scriptural Exegesis in the Trinitarian Theology of Basil of Caesarea.”

He has written, translated, and edited numerous books, articles, book chapters and book reviews. These include two books on St. Basil (Catholic University of America Press, 2007; Baker Academic, 2014) and an edited book of essays on “Ex corde Ecclesiae” (Franciscan University Press, 2018). His translations include “Basil of Caesarea, Early Church Fathers” (Routledge 2018) and “On the Cessation of the Law” by Robert Grosseteste (Catholic University of America Press, 2012).

Since joining Franciscan’s faculty, Hildebrand has delivered scholarly papers and lectures at almost 30 conferences and has organized many noteworthy academic conferences at Franciscan University, including the annual Truth of Love Conference (with the Veritas Amoris Project), the 2022 international Conference of the Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI Foundation, and Vatican II at 60: The Legacy and the Controversy.

As vice president for Academic Affairs, Hildebrand will serve as Franciscan University’s primary academic officer, providing vision and leadership for all faculty and academic activities. He will oversee the development and implementation of academic programs, including graduate and undergraduate, online and on campus, to further the university’s mission to educate, evangelize and send forth joyful disciples.

The university offers more than 100 programs of study, including 45 undergraduate degrees, 11 graduate programs and 17 online programs, which continue to be bolstered by the school’s growing enrollment. Enrollment for fall 2022 reached an historic high of 2,500 students from all 50 states and 17 countries on campus and an additional 1,000 students online.

Pivonka thanked search committee co-chair Regina Boerio, professor of psychology and dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the committee members. The committee included the following Franciscan University faculty and staff members: John Bergsma, professor of theology; the Rev. Nathan Malavolti, TOR, professor of chemistry; Deborah Savage, professor of theology; Emily Sobeck, associate professor of education; Brenan Pergi, vice president of operations; Daniel Dentino, vice president of student life; Amy Leoni, director of the St. John Paul II Library; and ex-officio member Bill Thomas, executive director of human resources.

Hildebrand, who lives in Toronto with his wife, Sara, and eight children, is a member of St. Peter Parish. He will begin his new responsibilities as vice president for academic affairs on June 1.