Steubenville, Ohio, May 22, 2019 / 15:40 pm
Franciscan University of Steubenville announced Wednesday the appointment of Fr. David Pivonka, TOR, as the university's seventh president. Several prominent Catholic alumni of Franciscan said Pinvonka's appointment is positive news for the university.
Pivonka is the first alumnus of Franciscan University to be named to its top post. The priest, who graduated from the school in 1989, will begin presidential duties immediately and be formally installed in a ceremony later this year. He has served previously as a vice president at the university, and in other administrative and teaching roles.
Curtis Martin is a 1993 master's graduate of the university, and was given an honorary doctorate by the university at its commencement ceremony this month.
Martin is the founder of national campus ministry apostolate FOCUS. He told CNA that Pivonka's appointment is "great news for Franciscan University!"