An Invitation From Fr. Dave Pivonka, TOR
Peace and Blessings!
At Franciscan University, faith and reason, truth and freedom, the arts and the sciences are never at odds with one another. Rather, they complement one another with the pursuit of one aiding the pursuit of the other. This understanding provides students with an education that is both faithful and challenging, preparing them to meet the challenges of the professional world, and to do so as committed disciples of Jesus Christ.
In the tradition of the great Catholic universities of old, Franciscan strives to form souls as well as minds by leading students to a deeper understanding of God, man, and the world. We also draw upon the best of contemporary wisdom and learning, equipping students to engage the emerging needs of the Church and culture. Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, led by the Holy Spirit, and faithful to the magisterium, Franciscan University offers a college education like no other.
I invite you to discover for yourself how a Franciscan education can help you become the person God made you to be--and set the world on fire!
Peace,
Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, President, Franciscan University of Steubenville
About Fr. David Pivonka, TOR
Father David Pivonka, TOR was elected president of Franciscan University of Steubenville by the Board of Trustees on May 21, 2019. The well-known Catholic speaker and author graduated from Franciscan University with his bachelor of arts degree in theology in 1989, then earned a master of divinity degree, master of arts in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. A solemnly professed member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, Father Dave was ordained to the priesthood in 1996. He held various leadership positions at Franciscan University from 1996-2008 including vice president for Mission and Planning. From 2008-2012, Father Dave served as director of Post-Novitiate Formation for the Franciscans, TOR, and from 2012-2019, he directed Franciscan Pathways, hosting The Wild Goose video series on the Holy Spirit, a documentary on St. Francis of Assisi, and Metanoia, a 2019 video series on conversion. In addition, he hosted and produced Jesus and the Dead Sea Scrolls (2020) with Dr. John Bergsma and Letters to Myself From the End of the World with Emily Stimpson Chapman . He has written seven books, including Living Metanoia: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in Christ (OSV, 2021), hosts Franciscan University Presents on EWTN, and cohosts the popular podcast, They That Hope
A Brief Overview of Franciscan University of Steubenville
In the spirit of authentic, Catholic higher education, Franciscan University of Steubenville emphasizes the formation of strong, moral character and critical thinking. Our enrollment of over 3,500 includes students (on campus and online) from all 50 states and 17 foreign countries.
Franciscan University is proud of its alumni, students, and faculty who play key roles in both public and religious sectors of society. They are examples of Christian character, charity, and competence in business, psychology, education, research, ecclesial service, athletics, health care, and medicine. Regional reunions, our Franciscan Magazine, and a robust online and social media presence keep the University and its staff in close contact with Franciscan University graduates.