The University of St. Francis (USF) has named Oconto Falls native Michael Poradek as its new vice president of mission integration. Poradek assumed his role at the Joliet, Illinois, university on Sept. 3.
Poradek is a graduate of St. Anthony Catholic School and Oconto Falls High School. He has lived in Green Bay for the past 10 years, serving in administration with the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere with oversight of the Norbertine Center for Spirituality and National Shrine of St. Joseph.
In his new role at USF, Poradek will serve as the institution’s chief mission officer and is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the integration of mission through its history, identity and purpose of the modern University of St. Francis. Poradek will also be responsible for strategic leadership and oversight of the following USF departments and areas: University Ministry, Student Affairs, Institutional Diversity and Sustainability.
“The University of St. Francis is pleased to have Michael join our senior leadership team in this critical role,” said USF President Arvid C. Johnson. “He brings a wealth of ministry and student support experience from several higher education institutions, as well significant expertise in building and supporting external partnerships.”
Sr. Jeanne Bessette, OSF, president of the University’s founding/sponsoring congregation, the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, said that Poradek’s leadership as a lay person in his new role carries much importance at USF.
“As rooted as the University of St. Francis is in the mission of both the Joliet Franciscan Sisters and St. Francis of Assisi, it is also committed to looking to the future,” Bessette said. “Partnerships with lay people who are choosing to delve into the Franciscan spirit and values is critical to USF’s future. Those willing to embrace our values and breathe new life into them also breathe new life into the university. Having spent some time with Dr. Michael Poradek, I have confidence in his ability to lead with a Franciscan heart and head.”
Poradek said he embraces the opportunity to serve the USF learning community.
“I am thrilled to be joining the USF family and to have the opportunity to serve and advocate for the Mission of this exceptional learning community,” Poradek said. “It is an honor to continue to be part of the legacy of learning initiated by the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate in preparing servant leaders, grounded in our Catholic and Franciscan values, to impact their communities and our world.”
Poradek earned a bachelor of arts in political science from St. Norbert College, followed by a master of higher education administration – student affairs emphasis from Upper Iowa University, a master of arts in liturgical ministry from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and Ph.D. in leadership for the advancement of learning and service from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, with research in mission-based leadership development for Catholic higher education professionals.
The University of St. Francis serves close to 3,300 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe.
Oconto Falls native named vice president of Illinois university
