Imagine a university president who not only navigates turbulent times but also dares to build a medical school – the first in Ohio in half a century! That's Colleen Hanycz, President of Xavier University, and why she's someone The Enquirer believes you should be watching closely in 2026. But here's where it gets controversial... is she doing enough to address the core issues facing students and the university's future?
The Enquirer has identified individuals in Greater Cincinnati expected to significantly impact the region by 2026. If you have suggestions for other potential candidates, reach out to Carl Weiser at cweiser@enquirer.com.
Colleen Hanycz: Leading Xavier Through Change and Ambition
Colleen Hanycz, 59, assumed the presidency of Xavier University in July 2021, a period marked by significant challenges for higher education institutions nationwide. These challenges included fluctuating enrollment numbers and persistent budgetary constraints.
How has Hanycz responded? Her administration has adopted a multi-pronged approach: aggressively boosting fundraising efforts, implementing strategic expense reductions (including some difficult cuts), launching innovative new academic majors designed to attract students, and even establishing a brand-new on-campus elementary school, a Montessori program. And this is the part most people miss... the decision to require most juniors to live on campus alongside freshmen and sophomores, starting next fall, has sparked considerable debate among students and parents. Some see it as fostering a stronger campus community; others view it as an unnecessary restriction on student independence.
But the most significant and ambitious undertaking during Hanycz's tenure is undoubtedly the construction of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, a $109 million project rising on the southern edge of the Xavier campus. This venture represents the first new medical school in Ohio in approximately five decades, with doors scheduled to open to aspiring doctors in the fall of 2027. The hope is that this new school will attract a different kind of student, one dedicated to primary care and community service.
Who Exactly is Colleen Hanycz? A Journey from Law to Leadership
Hanycz's academic journey began in Canada. After earning a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto and practicing as a securities litigator, she transitioned into academia. She served as an associate professor and assistant dean at Osgoode before becoming the principal (chief administrator) of Brescia University College in London, Ontario, in 2008.
In 2015, Hanycz broke ground as the first female president of La Salle University, a Catholic institution located in Philadelphia. At Xavier, she continues to make history as the 35th president, and notably, the first layperson and first woman to hold the position.
Hanycz is married to Peter, and they have an adult son and daughter. Tragically, they also experienced the loss of another daughter in an accident in 2017.
Hanycz on Enrollment: Transparency and Purpose
The Enquirer directly questioned Hanycz about strategies to enhance Xavier's appeal to prospective students. Her response emphasized the importance of transparency in tuition costs and scholarship opportunities. She highlighted Xavier's Musketeer Forever Scholars program as an example of providing such clarity to Ohio students. This program aims to offer predictable tuition rates, making college more affordable.
"At the same time, students are seeking real-world, purpose-driven experiences," Hanycz explained, "from internships and student-run ventures to hands-on research, study abroad, and service opportunities rooted in our Jesuit Catholic mission." She believes that offering these experiences, coupled with robust donor support, will position Xavier to attract a greater number of students in 2026 and beyond. This reflects a growing trend among students looking for education that translates directly into meaningful careers and social impact.
The College of Osteopathic Medicine: A Perfect Fit?
Hanycz explicitly identified the forthcoming medical school as her most exciting priority for 2026. "It aligns perfectly with our mission of care and service by training physicians rooted in compassion and justice," she stated.
The school is designed to address the critical shortage of primary-care physicians by providing a "mission-driven, interprofessional learning environment." This approach emphasizes collaboration between different healthcare professionals, preparing students for the realities of modern medical practice. But some critics argue that focusing on osteopathic medicine might not be enough to solve the broader healthcare access problems in the region.
The Driving Force: Inspiring Students to Live 'Bigger Lives'
Ultimately, Hanycz identifies students as her primary source of motivation. "Watching them grow into a 'bigger life' filled with purpose, confidence, and service is the greatest privilege of this role," she shared. "Seeing them become people for and with others inspires every decision we make as a university." This commitment to student development is at the heart of her leadership philosophy.
What do you think? Is Colleen Hanycz on the right track to lead Xavier University into a successful future? Are her priorities aligned with the needs of students and the community? Does the medical school represent a truly transformative step, or is it a risky gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
