Colleen Hanycz, the 59-year-old president of Xavier University, is a visionary leader who has steered the institution through a period of significant transformation. Since joining in 2021, she has tackled enrollment challenges and budget pressures head-on, implementing innovative solutions such as fundraising initiatives, expense cuts, and the introduction of new majors and an on-campus elementary school. Her boldest move, however, is the construction of the first new medical school in Ohio in over five decades, a $109 million College of Osteopathic Medicine set to open in 2027. But what truly sets Hanycz apart is her commitment to fostering a 'bigger life' for her students, where purpose, confidence, and service are paramount. This is the driving force behind her decisions, as she aims to inspire every choice made at the university. However, this approach has also sparked controversy, as some question the feasibility of her ambitious plans. Despite the challenges, Hanycz remains focused on her mission, inviting the community to engage in the discussion and share their thoughts on her leadership and the future of Xavier University.
