Leadership




Board of Trustees
David Aberizk, Arturo Alemany, Daniel Braun (Chair), Dn Thomas Braun, Penny Brunner, Aubrey Cardoza, John Dempsey, Dr. Andrew Geleris, Steven Kreta, Dr. Terry Orr-Weaver, Dr. Frank Papatheofanis, Concetta Smarius, Carol Vassiliadis
Hierarchical Advisors
+Metropolitan Joseph, +Archbishop Benjamin, +Metropolitan Gerasimos, +Bishop Maxim
Clergy Advisors/Chaplains
Fr. Jon Braun (Emeritus), Fr. John Reimann (Chaplain)
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
Throughout its history, the University of Saint Katherine has striven to prepare students for their future by offering a rigorous education in the arts and sciences. This means preparing students by teaching them how to think critically and communicate effectively. Furthermore, it has steadily emphasized a culture that promotes inquiry and exploration at the undergraduate and graduate levels. And this culture has emerged within the context of an institutional and broader community.
Our faculty and staff are experienced in their academic fields but also understand the importance and value of creating an academic community. Students here benefit from close interactions with their professors. Much of their work is collaborative and they learn to work with their peers as well. There are many opportunities for independent research and internships which further round out the educational experience.
Our general education courses are integrated so students don’t have to build a cohesive program of their own. Over 25 concentrations and degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in a wide number of fields. Our graduates attend graduate and professional schools in medicine, law, pharmacy, and others. Others are employed in the area of their choice and quickly rise to leadership positions.
University of Saint Katherine is ideal for students seeking a rigorous education underpinned by Christian identity and the sense of adventure that only comes with creating and building something new. While our website provides an extensive overview of the University and its programs, please know that it is unable to adequately convey the character and commitment of our students, faculty, and staff. So please browse our website and contact us with your questions – we look forward to hearing from you!
ABOUT THE PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER
Frank J. Papatheofanis, MD, PhD is a physician-scientist and educator with over 30 years of leadership experience in academic medicine and science. His research career began in the Department of Neurology at the University of Chicago. He subsequently directed the Biomaterials and Bioengineering Laboratory in the Department of Orthopaedics and served as Assistant Research Professor at the University of Illinois where he earned a doctorate in biochemistry and a medical degree; he then completed postgraduate residency training and served as chief resident in the Department of Radiology at Loyola University Medical Center. He also completed advanced training in health policy and economics and earned the Master in Public Health (MPH) degree at Johns Hopkins. Papatheofanis subsequently completed graduate studies (MLitt Divinity) in theology at the University of St Andrews (Scotland). He founded and directed the Advanced Medical Technology Assessment and Policy Program at UCSD where he also directed the Science, Technology and Public Affairs Program, was attending physician in radiology, and served on the faculty for over 15 years.
Dr. Papatheofanis serves as editor, editorial board member, and peer reviewer for many leading professional publications. He is the author or co-author of over 200 scientific and medical peer-reviewed publications, chapters, and books; he is emeritus editor-in-chief of the peer-reviewed journal, Risk Management and Health Policy. His research currently focuses on interdisciplinary learning and Christian higher education. He serves on the Theological Education Committee of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America.
Dr. Papatheofanis and his wife Dr. Julie Papatheofanis have three children and reside in San Diego. Dr. Julie Papatheofanis is a practicing physician who served on the founding Board of Trustees of FOCUS NA and actively serves on the Board of Trustees of Project Mexico and St Innocent Orphanage. They founded the Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies at Wheaton College (IL). Dr. Julie Papatheofanis currently serves on the Wheaton College Board of Visitors.