Rev. Malachi Van Tassell has been named the new president of St. Francis University, Loretto, by the Board of Trustees. Van Tassell is set to assume his new role once the current president Rev. Gabriel Zeis concludes his tenure at the end of academic year 2013-2014.
Van Tassell is currently an adjunct assistant professor of accounting at St. Francis, a position he has been holding for 11 years.
"I'm very humbled that the trustees have selected me as the next president of St. Francis, and I'm just excited to be the president and the pastor of our founding institution here in Loretto," Van Tassell told Altoona Mirror.
Van Tassell has earned his undergraduate degree in accounting and Spanish from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio; a master's degree in taxation from Arizona State University and a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Capella University.
"It was clear to us that Father Malachi's familiarity with the university's mission, vision and core values, as well as his background as an educator/professor and administrator will serve our institution well," Larry Giannone, vice chairman of the board of trustees, told Tribune. "The trustees look forward to the future leadership of Father Malachi as the chief steward of the university's mission and the continued success of St. Francis University as an outstanding institution."
Before taking vows in 1999, Van Tassell worked as a certified public accountant in Phoenix and Albuquerque. In 2004, he was ordained to priesthood at the university's Immaculate Conception Chapel.
Van Tassell said that once he resumes his new responsibility, his goal will be to carry on the good work laid down by Zeis.
"I give kudos to Father Gabriel," Van Tassell said. "He's really done a lot in terms of ... building buildings on campus, and building good relations with the local community. He's done a lot of great things. I'd like to capitalize on his success."