Dr. Ryan Hendrickson selected as tenth USF President

On Feb. 18, 2025 the USF officially announced the nomination of its tenth president to all of the members of the university. Dr. Ryan Hendrickson will be handed the torch and officially begin his tenure as President of the University of St. Francis on June 1, 2025. 

Dr. Arvid Johnson, current President of USF, announced that he would complete  his tenure as president in May of 2024. The university along with the Board of Trustees began the process of searching for the next president to lead the university to continued success. The Board of Trustees, along with a select group of staff and administrators, made the decision for who the finalist candidates would be. 

In January of 2025, the three finalist candidates came to the university and talked to students and staff alike in an effort to showcase why they each would be the best choice for our university. These three candidates were: Dr. Hendrickson of Eastern Illinois University, Dr. Adam Weyhaupt of Fontbonne University and Dr. Christopher Whit of the University of Denver. 

The final decision after meeting with all three finalists was ultimately Dr. Hendrickson. From the beginning, Dr. Hendrickson recognized the unique energy that vibrated throughout the university. He realized there was a love for the university on all levels and utilized that knowledge in his speech.

Dr. Hendrickson wanted to put emphasis on love throughout his acceptance speech and how love pours throughout many parts of campus both physically and spiritually.

“There is a deep and profound love for the history of the university,” Dr. Hendrickson emphasized in his acceptance speech. 

This ceremony was well attended by staff, faculty and students, including Dr. Johnson.

Dr. Johnson is coming to the conclusion of his term after over a decade serving the university. He looks at the moment as both a happy beginning and a bittersweet ending. 

“It’s a good thing and a bittersweet thing,” Dr Johnson said. “We loved our time at the University of St. Francis but now it’s time to move on to my next step.”

Dr. Johnson has shown confidence in Dr. Hendrickson coming into his role as president.

“Ryan is an excellent individual,” Dr. Johnson said. “He will be a great benefit to the university. I look forward to working with him through the transition.”

Dr. Hendrickson has shown extensive happiness in regards to joining the university and how he has recognized the unique dynamic the university encompasses. 

“I am delighted to be here,” Dr. Hendrickson said. “I love our mission and I can’t wait to be here.”

It is clear that Dr. Hendrickson is ecstatic to become part of USF history and he wants to ensure he is making an impact on staff and students alike.

“I want to meet as many people as possible when I get here,” Dr. Hendrickson said. “The first order of business is to get to know the University of St. Francis even better than I know it now.”