On Wednesday, July 9, University President Rev. Peter M. Donahue, O.S.A., Ph.D. and University Provost Patrick G. Maggitti, PhD announced that Rev. David Cregan, O.S.A., PhD, ‘89 CLAS has been appointed as Dean of the College of Professional Studies.
As Chief Administrator of the College of Professional Studies, Cregan will be responsible for providing strategic vision and leadership in long-term academic planning, faculty engagement and student success. He will also work to oversee financial management and help lead advancement efforts and alumni relations.
Cregan has been a member of the Villanova community for decades. He graduated with a BA in Theatre from Villanova in 1989 and earned Master of Divinity from Washington Theological Union, an MA in Irish Studies from the Catholic University of America. He also earned an MPhil. in Irish Theatre and Film and a Ph.D. in Dramatic Literature from the Samuel Beckett School of Drama at Trinity College, Dublin.
In an email sent to students and faculty, Fr. Peter expressed the impact of Cregan’s dedication to the Villanova community.
“I am excited to have Fr. Cregan leading the College of Professional Studies,” the email read. “He brings a deep commitment to Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic mission and is passionate about the transformative power of education at all levels.”
Cregan currently holds the role of Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives for the College of Professional Studies. He is a member of the Dean’s Senior Leadership Team and leads initiatives related to curriculum and faculty development. Cregan is also responsible for leading the College’s Curriculum Committee, designing and implementing the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree, and providing college leadership for faculty affairs. Additionally, Cregan is a current member of the University-wide A.I. Task Force.
Prior to returning to Villanova in 2004, Cregan pursued a professional theater career and has performed in New York, across the United States and on European tours. Due to his theater background and educational focus on Irish studies, much of his scholarly work focuses on these two disciplines.
Throughout his time at Villanova, Cregan has spent many years working in the College of Arts and Sciences. He has chaired the Department of Theatre and Studio Art and has served as an associate professor in theatre. In addition, Cregan has also taught classes in global and interdisciplinary studies, honors, gender and women’s studies and ACS.
In a press release, Provost Maggitti expressed how Cregan’s leadership will shape the future of the College of Professional Studies.
“Father Cregan brings considerable experience as an academic and administrative leader to his new role as dean of the College of Professional Studies,” Maggitti said. “His deep understanding of what distinguishes a Villanova education—particularly for our adult learners—along with his first-hand knowledge of CPS makes him uniquely suited for his new role. I look forward to working closely with Father Cregan as he stewards the College into its next great era.”
Cregan’s appointment is effective Aug. 1.
