Imagine a university leader who dares to dream big, even in the face of declining enrollment and budget crunches. That's Colleen Hanycz, the president of Xavier University, and she's on a mission to give students a 'bigger life.' The Cincinnati Enquirer has named her one of the most important people to watch in 2026, and for good reason. But here's where it gets controversial: can a university truly transform lives while grappling with financial pressures and a changing educational landscape? Let's dive in.
Since taking the helm in July 2021, Hanycz has tackled Xavier's challenges head-on. Facing enrollment declines and budget deficits, her administration has implemented a multi-pronged strategy. They've ramped up fundraising efforts, made strategic expense cuts, and introduced over 40 cutting-edge academic programs. One particularly bold move? Establishing a new on-campus elementary school, a decision that sparked both excitement and debate. Additionally, starting next fall, most juniors will be required to live on campus, joining first- and second-year students—a policy that has already ignited backlash. And this is the part most people miss: these changes aren't just about numbers; they're about creating a vibrant, purpose-driven community.
But Hanycz's most ambitious project is yet to come: the $109 million College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio's first new medical school in five decades. Set to open in 2027, this state-of-the-art facility promises to address the critical shortage of primary-care physicians while embedding compassion and justice into medical training. Is this the future of medical education, or a risky investment in an uncertain healthcare landscape?
Hanycz's journey to Xavier is as inspiring as her vision. A Canadian native, she earned a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto and practiced as a securities litigator before transitioning to academia. She served as an associate professor and assistant dean at Osgoode, then as principal of Brescia University College. In 2015, she made history as the first female president of La Salle University. At Xavier, she's breaking barriers again as the university's first layperson and first woman to hold the presidency.
When asked how Xavier can attract more students, Hanycz emphasizes transparency—particularly around tuition costs and scholarships. The university's Musketeer Forever Scholars program is a step in that direction. But here's the real question: can transparency alone bridge the gap between rising tuition costs and student affordability? Hanycz also highlights the importance of real-world, purpose-driven experiences, from internships to study abroad programs rooted in Xavier's Jesuit Catholic mission. With strong donor support, she believes these initiatives will position Xavier for growth in 2026.
What drives Hanycz? It's the students. She finds joy in watching them grow into lives filled with purpose, confidence, and service. But in an era of increasing skepticism about higher education's value, can universities like Xavier truly deliver on this promise? As we look ahead, Hanycz's leadership invites us to consider: What does a 'bigger life' mean in today's world, and what role should universities play in shaping it? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
