The Rev. Kevin DePrinzio, O.S.A., Ph.D., Vice President for Mission & Ministry will be joining fellow Villanova alumni, Fr. Joseph Farrell, the Prior General of the Augustinian Order, and Pope Leo XIV in Rome.

He was elected to the General Council of the Order of St. Augustine on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025.

He will serve as the assistant general for English-speaking provinces. His role is effective immediately.

In an email to the University, University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue O.S.A., Ph.D. calls this change “bittersweet.”

“For the past five years, Father Kevin has done a wonderful job leading the Office for Mission and Ministry, playing a vital role in ensuring Villanova’s commitment to living out our Augustinian Catholic mission in every aspect of University life,” the email read.

Fr. DePrinzio has been a member of the Augustinian Order since 2000 and was ordained in 2004.

Prior Provincial Father Robert Hagan, O.S.A., has known Fr. DePrinzio since their shared time in the seminary in Washington D.C.

“We were classmates for six years in our time in formation,” said Fr. Hagan. “So, you know, dinners together, social events together, studying for exams and graduation.

We went through all those experiences together. I have to say, I’ve been proud watching him grow in his life as an Augustinian.”

Fr. Hagan also feels that this transition is bittersweet.

“I’m not surprised that [Fr. Farrell] saw in Fr. Kevin gifts to use on behalf of the order,” Fr. Hagan said. “When he [Fr. Farrell] picked his name, there was kinda a sense of mixed emotions in my stomach. Like, oh wow this is gonna be great for Father Joe and for the order, and it’s gonna be a terrible loss for the local Villanova University community.”

Many faculty, staff and students have been reflecting on their interactions and time with Fr. DePrinzio.

One is senior Kaitlin Gibson, who has known Fr. DePrinzio since her freshman year. He taught her THL1000 course.

“He was one of the first impressions I had of Villanova, and he left a really great one,” Gibson said. “He’s just an incredibly kind person with a wonderful, wonderful soul. I was just sad to see that he was leaving.”

As the co-president of the Villanova Pastoral Musicians, Gibson spoke with some faculty members and students involved with Mission and Ministry.

She said many, especially faculty members, were saddened by the news.

“Not upset in the sense that they were angry…just upset that their boss was leaving, and they really, really valued him,” Gibson said.

Alumni who personally knew Fr. DePrinzio have also reacted to the news.

Alumna Erika Scales, class of 2023, wrote to Gibson in a text: “Is he still going to be able to have coffee chats and officiate weddings?”

Fr. DePrinzio has left a lasting impression on Villanova. While many are disappointed by his sudden departure, there is much hope for the future of the church.

“I hope he brings [to Rome] some of what we’ve said to him,” Gibson said. “I know, at least, what I’ve said to him in a class setting, and what people at Villanova have said to him about what needs to change, what needs to be improved upon…but it also invites a lot of dialogue and thoughtfulness about the future of our church.”

The Villanova Augustinian community will be awaiting to see how Fr. Kevin utilizes his strengths in his new position.

“I think that one of Fr. Kevin’s strengths is his ability to forge and cultivate relationships,” Fr. Hagan said. “I do think a portion of his duties will be to travel around certain parts of the world, maybe particularly in North America and some other countries, to listen, to strengthen relationship, and to keep the channels of communication open in such a way that people are heard where the struggles are, and where the order may be able to help the Augustinian communities around the world with whatever they may need.”

Immediately after his appointment, Fr. DePrinzio traveled to Rome. However, this is not goodbye for the Villanova community just yet. He will return to campus the week of Sept. 22. His time back will be utilized to implement a smooth transition within Mission & Ministry.

There will then be a congratulatory reception to honor Fr. DePrinzio and his new leadership role. The date has not yet been announced.

“I think he’ll be missed,” Gibson said. “Not just because of the work he did, but because of the environment he created on campus.”