Villanova University has announced the appointment of the Rev. David Cregan, OSA, PhD, as the new dean of its College of Professional Studies (CPS), effective August 1, 2024. Father Cregan, who is both an alumnus and a long-serving faculty member of Villanova, will leverage his extensive academic leadership experience and commitment to the university’s Augustinian Catholic mission in his new position.
Currently serving as associate dean of Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives for CPS, Father Cregan oversees curriculum development, faculty affairs, and strategic academic initiatives. His significant contributions include the design and implementation of the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree and the management of faculty hiring and evaluation processes. He is also a member of Villanova’s university-wide A.I. Task Force, which highlights his engagement with modern educational challenges.
Leadership and Vision for Adult Learners
Villanova President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue praised Father Cregan as an “experienced and knowledgeable leader” who is deeply committed to the transformative power of education. In reflecting on his new role, Father Cregan stated, “Since arriving in the College of Professional Studies, I have been inspired, invigorated and continually uplifted by our dedicated students, staff and faculty. 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.”
Father Cregan has been part of Villanova’s faculty since 2004. He previously chaired the Department of Theatre and Studio Art and served as artistic director of Villanova Theatre. His teaching encompasses various programs, including Global and Interdisciplinary Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, and the Augustine and Culture Seminar Program. Notably, he also teaches at SCI Phoenix, a state correctional institution, demonstrating his commitment to diverse educational environments.
Academic and Professional Background
His scholarly work primarily focuses on Irish theatre and performance, with numerous articles and book chapters published on these subjects. Prior to returning to Villanova, Father Cregan enjoyed a professional acting career that included work in New York and touring productions throughout the United States and Europe.
University Provost Patrick G. Maggitti highlighted Father Cregan’s understanding of the unique needs of adult learners and his comprehensive knowledge of CPS, calling him “uniquely suited” to lead the college into its next chapter. As dean, Father Cregan will act as the chief administrator for CPS, overseeing strategic and academic planning, faculty engagement, student experience, financial operations, and alumni relations.
Father Cregan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Villanova University, a Master of Divinity from Washington Theological Union, a Master of Arts in Irish Studies from The Catholic University of America, and both an MPhil and PhD in Dramatic Literature from Trinity College, Dublin. His diverse background positions him to effectively enhance the educational landscape at Villanova University.
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