Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 CLAS, today announced the appointment of the Rev. David Cregan, OSA, PhD, ’89 CLAS, as Dean of the College of Professional Studies (CPS), effective August 1. A member of Villanova’s faculty since 2004, Father Cregan has extensive experience in academic leadership roles and currently serves as associate dean of Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives for the College of Professional Studies.

“I am excited to have Father Cregan, an experienced and knowledgeable leader and fellow Augustinian friar, leading the College of Professional Studies,” said Father Donohue. “He brings a deep commitment to Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic mission and is passionate about the transformative power of education at all levels.”

In his current role in CPS, Father Cregan acts as a member of the Dean’s Senior Leadership Team and oversees key strategic initiatives for curriculum and faculty in the college. His responsibilities include leading the College’s Curriculum Committee; designing and implementing the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree; and providing college leadership for faculty affairs, such as faculty hiring and evaluation processes. He also is a member of the University-wide A.I. Task Force.

“Since arriving in the College of Professional Studies, I have been inspired, invigorated and continually uplifted by our dedicated students, staff and faculty,” said Father Cregan. “Here, student-centered learning is an imperative, and our faculty and staff are creatively flexible, adaptive and innovative in guiding our students toward their academic, professional and personal goals. CPS is a place where aspirations are realized, and students are transformed by our professional education and our for-credit degrees and majors. By the grace of God, with humility and gratitude, I am truly honored to serve as Dean.”

In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Father Cregan previously served as chair of the Department of Theatre and Studio Art, where he also acted as artistic director of Villanova Theatre. He holds the rank of associate professor in Theatre, teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. His scholarly expertise encompasses theatre and Irish studies. Father Cregan has taught across many departments and programs at Villanova, including Global and Interdisciplinary Studies, Honors, Gender and Women Studies, and Augustine and Culture Seminar Program. Additionally, he teaches for the Villanova Program at SCI Phoenix. His academic publications include numerous articles and book chapters on Irish theatre and performance. Prior to returning to Villanova in 2004, Father Cregan pursued a professional theatre career, performing in New York, regional productions in the U.S., and three tours in the U.S. and Europe.

“Father Cregan brings considerable experience as an academic and administrative leader to his new role as dean of the College of Professional Studies,” said University Provost Patrick G. Maggitti, PhD. “His deep understanding of what distinguishes a Villanova education—particularly for our adult learners—along with his first-hand knowledge of CPS makes him uniquely suited for his new role. I look forward to working closely with Father Cregan as he stewards the College into its next great era.”

As Dean, Father Cregan will serve as the chief administrator of the College, providing vision and leadership for its long-term strategic and academic planning and faculty engagement; strengthening the student experience; providing financial oversight; and overseeing fundraising and alumni relations.

Father Cregan earned a BA in Theatre from Villanova University, a Master of Divinity from Washington Theological Union, an MA in Irish Studies from The Catholic University of America, and an MPhil. in Irish Theatre and Film and PhD in Dramatic Literature from the Samuel Beckett School of Drama at Trinity College, Dublin.

About Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies: Founded in 2014, the College of Professional Studies (CPS) provides academically rigorous yet flexible educational pathways to high-achieving adult learners who are balancing professional and educational aspirations with life’s commitments. The CPS experience embodies Villanova’s century-long commitment to making academic excellence accessible to students at all stages of life. Students in CPS programs engage with world-class Villanova faculty including scholars and practitioners, explore innovative educational technologies and experiences, and join an influential network of passionate alumni. In addition to its industry-leading programs at the nexus of theory and practice, CPS has built a reputation for its personal approach and supportive community that empowers adult students to enrich their lives, enhance their value in the workplace, and embark on new careers.

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges—the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation’s top universities, Villanova supports its students’ intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu.

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