December 14th, 2018.

Rensselaer, Ind. – Saint Joseph’s College announced today a number of changes in organizational leadership as it continues its plan to create a future in Rensselaer, Indiana. 

Father Barry Fischer has accepted a position as Campus Chaplain at Marian University in Indianapolis.  This returns Fr. Fischer to what has been his life mission and vocation of pastoral ministry while remaining close to the educational institutions to which he has devoted much of his time.  Father Barry will begin his role at Marian on March 1st  2019, and will assist with the leadership transition at Saint Joseph’s College, Rensselaer, during the interim.

 “I am grateful for the opportunity to return to my Alma Mater after 48 years.  During the past eighteen months I have been blessed to work with a group of dedicated men and women in the academic, administrative, and facilities management.  Together we have achieved the two principle goals set out for us when I took up the position as Rector: the debt settlement and to research avenues in which we might one day have accredited courses on our Rensselaer campus.  The latter is made possible through the collaboration in Mission with Marian University.  Now I feel it is time for me to move on and to return to pastoral ministry in which I can engage students, professors and administrative personnel on a daily basis.  I believe this is where I can best use my gifts for the service of God´s people.  As I leave, I do so with hope for the future of SJC in Rensselaer and a heart filled with gratitude for the support and collaboration I have felt during the past year and a half as Rector.”

Dr. Michael Nichols has accepted a position with new Saint Joseph’s College of Marian University – Indianapolis as the inaugural Associate Director and Dean and began at Saint Joe Indy on November 16th, 2018. As a former member of the Phoenix Team at Saint Joseph’s College, Dr. Nichols will be able to serve an integral role to the future collaborative efforts of the two schools.

Effective immediately and with great confidence in their abilities, the Board of Trustees is proud to name Dr. Bill Hogan, Vice President for Advancement; Dr. Tom Ryan, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Kimberly Morisette, CPA, Chief Financial Officer as the Core Leadership for Saint Joseph’s College.  They will address the future planning and the day to day business of the college in weekly consultation with the Board Chair and Vice Chair, Fr. Larry Hemmelgarn, C.PP.S. and Mr. Mike Van Eekeren.  Dr. Ryan will work with all academic and event programming for the campus.  Dr. Hogan will focus on fundraising and communications while Ms. Morisette will address finances and facilities issues.

“We are very grateful to Fr. Barry for all he has done to bring us to this point.  It has been a challenging 18 months and he has handled the many issues facing the college with great compassion and dedication” said Fr. Larry Hemmelgarn, the Chair of the Board of Trustees.  “We will miss his presence on campus but also understand his desire to return to pastoral ministry and wish him God’s blessings in his future ministry.  We know that he will be a great Puma presence at Marian University and the new Saint Joseph’s College of Marian University in Indianapolis.” 

 
Fr. Larry Hemmelgarn
Mr. Michael Van Eekeren
Mrs. Melinda Beier
Fr. Steve Dos Santos
Fr. Jeff Kirch
Mr. Matt McKillip
Fr. Bill O’Donnell
Fr. Mark Peres
Mr. Jeff Taylor
Mr. Ned Tonner
Mr. Frank Sergi 

The Board of Trustees,
Saint Joseph’s College

Saint Joseph’s College Donations and Gift Page:

https://pumas.saintjoe.edu

PDF copy of this announcement:

SJC Leadership Changes - PDF