The University of St. Francis (USF) Board of Trustees at a special event including the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, employees, students and community leaders announced that Ryan C. Hendrickson, Ph.D., will become the University’s 10th president. He will begin his new role on June 1, 2025, succeeding Arvid C. Johnson, Ph.D., who is retiring in May 2025 following twelve years of leadership and service as USF’s 9th president.

Dr. Hendrickson brings to USF more than 25 years of experience in higher education, ten of which have been in senior leadership positions at Eastern Illinois University, including his current role as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Hendrickson was selected by the USF Board of Trustees with guidance from a 20-member presidential search committee composed of USF trustees, faculty, staff, administration, student and alumni representatives. He emerged as the best candidate from a pool of over 50 applicants who were recruited and vetted by Academic Search, a highly regarded firm that supports executive recruitment for colleges and universities.

“I look forward to working with Dr. Ryan Hendrickson as he becomes the 10th president of the University of St. Francis,” said Steven Hernandez, USF trustee (vice chairperson) and presidential search committee chairperson. “Dr. Hendrickson brings to USF a wealth of experience and knowledge that will serve us well and lead us into this next chapter of our mission to bring Franciscan higher education to our students nationally and internationally.”

Sr. Jeanne Bessette, OSF, Ed.D., President of the University’s founding/sponsoring congregation, the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, believes that Dr. Hendrickson’s attributes effectively position him to lead USF into the future.

While there are multiple opportunities available across the higher education landscape, Dr. Hendrickson was called to USF because of how its mission is lived each day across its campus community.

“The University of St. Francis is a community formed and shaped by its mission. USF is a special place where students grow and learn, where faculty, staff and administrators work together to foster student success and advance our mission, and where a university education results in real, tangible and life-changing value for its students,” he said.

When Dr. Hendrickson begins his leadership tenure in June, he anticipates a focus on growing USF in a variety of areas.

“I am committed to promoting and advancing the University’s Catholic and Franciscan identity. It is critical that we expand the University’s profile in order to share broadly the tremendous value in a University of St. Francis student experience and education, while also identifying and promoting accessible and affordable degree opportunities for the widest range of students possible. We will need to be innovative and bold in the University’s programming, with a focus on enrollment growth and market relevance,” he said. 

A formal welcome event for Dr. Hendrickson will be planned later this spring.