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Reverend Francis S. Tebbe, O.F.M., Joins Saint Xavier as Executive Assistant to President Judith A. Dwyer and Secretary of the Corporation

CHICAGO (Jan. 26, 2003) - Reverend Francis S. Tebbe, O.F.M . recently joined the staff of Saint Xavier University as the new executive assistant to Dr. Judith A. Dwyer, the university's 17 th president. Father Tebbe, who formerly served as a special assistant for mission and planning in the Office of the Provost and associate professor of theology in the College of Arts and Sciences at Lewis University in Romeoville, will also serve as Saint Xavier's secretary of the corporation.

Seeking a candidate to aid in carrying out the president's goals for the university as well as assist in Saint Xavier's strategic planning process, Dr. Dwyer selected Father Tebbe for his multiple experiences in planning for higher education institutions and national organizations, she said.

"Father Tebbe has served many institutions as they pursued greater standards of excellence within academic life and faculty development," Dr. Dwyer said. "As Saint Xavier University embarks on its own strategic planning process, Father Tebbe's commitment to higher education will strengthen our university's plans."

Father Tebbe has also served as vice president for enrollment management at Lewis University (1999-2002); vice president for planning and mission effectiveness at Madonna University in Livonia, Mich. (1993-1999); associate director of the Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame (1990-1993); faculty member and first director of continuing education at Catholic Theological Union (1985-1990) and the first director of adult education for the Archdiocese of Boston (1980-1985). His background also includes faculty responsibilities as an assistant professor of religious education at CTU and Madonna University and as associate professor of theology at Lewis University.

Father Tebbe's previous experience will lay a foundation for the high-level administrative assistance he must provide within the President's Office. As executive assistant, Father Tebbe will staff the strategic planning process and interact frequently with campus leadership to ensure that the process is productive, efficient and inclusive. The position also entails providing analyses of internal and external issues that require the president's personal attention.

As secretary of the corporation, Father Tebbe will work to manage the university's relations with its Board of Trustees in cooperation with the President and the Vice President for University Advancement.

Said Father Tebbe of his background in such tasks: "I have a depth and breadth of higher education ideas and best practices, having served in four institutions for more than 18 years. I am deeply committed to promoting Catholic identity in higher education and passionate about the value of a liberal arts education and career preparation within the context of the Catholic /Mercy tradition and heritage."

Father Tebbe served nine years as the President of the National Organization of Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy as well as a priest-consultant for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee for Priestly Life and Ministry. He is currently the President of the Catholic Coalition on Preaching, Director of Continuing Education and Ongoing Formation for his Franciscan Province of Saint John the Baptist, and he chairs the Council of Ongoing Formation Directors, which he founded in 1990, for the English-speaking Conference of the Order of Friars Minor. With his background and multiple experiences in high education and with national organizations, Father Tebbe's selection was also strongly based on his appreciation for, and understanding of, the Catholic identity of Saint Xavier University, founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy.

"Father Tebbe comprehends the strength and meaning of our Mercy tradition and mission," Dwyer said. "As we pursue greater levels of excellence, Saint Xavier needs leaders who also value our Catholic identity."

Father Tebbe earned a B.A. from Duns Scotus College in Southfield, Mich., a M. Div. From Saint Leonard School of Theology in Centerville (Dayton), Ohio; a M.Ed. from Boston College and a Doctor of Ministry from Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Center (Boston), Mass. He did postgraduate study at Marygrove College in Detroit, Mich. and at Providence College. He has also received Certifications in Adult Education and Theological Field Education.