Leadership
Board of Trustees
David Aberizk, Arturo Alemany, Daniel Braun (Chair), Dn Thomas Braun, Penny Brunner, Dr. Andrew Geleris, Steven Kreta, Dr. Terry Orr-Weaver, Dr. Frank Papatheofanis, Concetta Smarius, Carol Vassiliadis
Clergy Advisors/Chaplains
Fr. Jon Braun (Emeritus), Fr. John Reimann (Chaplain)
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
The college years are a time for exploration and discovery. Our purpose in this process of growth and achievement is to provide learning opportunities that enhance your ability to think independently and communicate effectively. As a Christian institution of higher education, we also strive to help you understand the meaning and purpose of your life in the context of community and service to others. We think these daunting tasks are challenging and best met by individual attention to our students and their families. Consequently, our focus is building an academic community that is supportive and engaged.
When you attend the University of Saint Katherine you quickly realize that a vast array of academic programs are in place to help you inquire, learn, and prepare for your next steps. We are not vocational but we do provide the skills you will need for a successful career. Our curricula provide innovative teaching that balances the old with the new. You may study important, classical texts but you will also read the latest papers and studies published in your field. You will come to a better understanding of Western civilization and its enduring legacy while learning how scientific and technological innovation changes our contemporary lives.
The best way to learn more about the University is to come and meet the people who are already here. You can meet faculty and hear from students in various programs. A visit also allows us to learn about you and your interests and allows us to advise you about the opportunities we offer to make your educational journey fulfilling and successful.
ABOUT THE PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER
Frank J. Papatheofanis, MD, PhD is a physician-scientist and educator with over 30 years of leadership experience in academic medicine and science. His research career began in the Department of Neurology at the University of Chicago. He subsequently directed the Biomaterials and Bioengineering Laboratory in the Department of Orthopaedics and served as Assistant Research Professor at the University of Illinois where he earned a doctorate in biochemistry and a medical degree; he then completed postgraduate residency training and served as chief resident in the Department of Radiology at Loyola University Medical Center. He also completed advanced training in health policy and economics and earned the Master in Public Health (MPH) degree at Johns Hopkins. Papatheofanis subsequently completed graduate studies (MLitt Divinity) in theology at the University of St Andrews (Scotland). He founded and directed the Advanced Medical Technology Assessment and Policy Program at UCSD where he also directed the Science, Technology and Public Affairs Program, was attending physician in radiology, and served on the faculty for over 15 years.
Dr. Papatheofanis serves as editor, editorial board member, and peer reviewer for many leading professional publications. He is the author or co-author of over 200 scientific and medical peer-reviewed publications, chapters, and books; he is emeritus editor-in-chief of the peer-reviewed journal, Risk Management and Health Policy. His research currently focuses on interdisciplinary learning and Christian higher education. He served on the Theological Education Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America.
Dr. Papatheofanis and his wife Dr. Julie Papatheofanis have three children and reside in San Diego. Dr. Julie Papatheofanis is a practicing physician who served on the founding Board of Trustees of FOCUS NA and actively serves on the Board of Trustees of Project Mexico and St Innocent Orphanage. They founded the Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies at Wheaton College (IL). Dr. Julie Papatheofanis currently serves on the Wheaton College Board of Visitors.
