Colleen Hanycz, the 59-year-old president of Xavier University, is making waves in the academic world. Since joining the university in 2021, she's tackled enrollment challenges and budget pressures head-on. Her strategic moves include fundraising, expense cuts, introducing new majors, and establishing an on-campus elementary school. But her most ambitious project is yet to come: building the first new medical school in Ohio in over 50 years. This $109 million College of Osteopathic Medicine is set to open in 2027, addressing the need for primary care doctors with a compassionate, mission-driven approach. Hanycz's leadership is driven by her passion for students' growth and service. She believes in transparency about tuition and scholarships, and fostering real-world, purpose-driven experiences. Her dedication to the university's mission and student success makes her a key figure to watch in 2026 and beyond.
