Colleen M. Hanycz, Ph.D., First Female President in 152-Year History Named the New Leader of La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA – La Salle University, established through the legacy of St. John Baptist de La Salle, patron saint of teachers, and known for its academic excellence, practical teaching, and devotion to students, today announced the appointment of Colleen M. Hanycz, Ph.D., as its 29th President. Hanycz is currently Principal (a Canadian equivalent of President) of Brescia University College in London, Ontario, Canada. An accomplished attorney and administrative leader as well as a devout Roman Catholic, Hanycz will be the first layperson—and first woman—to serve as President in a non-interim capacity in the 152-year history of La Salle University.
Today’s historic appointment was announced by William R. Sautter, ’71, Chair of La Salle’s Board of Trustees.
“This is a pivotal moment in La Salle’s history,” Sautter said. “We are very pleased and excited to name Dr. Hanycz as the next President of La Salle University. She is an innovative academic leader with an impressive record as an agent of positive change. She is ideally suited to maximize La Salle’s potential while continuing to honor our distinctive mission and values.”
“This appointment extends the tradition of strong leadership at La Salle,” said Brother Dennis Malloy, F.S.C., ’74, M.A. ’83, La Salle Trustee and Provincial / Visitor for the District of Eastern North America of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. “Dr. Hanycz is passionate about sustaining and enhancing the values and attributes that are central to the Brothers of the Christian Schools, such as commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of community, and an ethos of social justice and care for the most vulnerable in society—all of which are at the core of our Catholic Lasallian tradition. The Christian Brothers look forward to working collaboratively with Dr. Hanycz and the Board of Trustees as she takes office.”