VILLANOVA, PA — Villanova University has appointed the Rev. Bernard C. Scianna, OSA, PhD, ’87, as vice president for mission and ministry, effective June 1, 2026, the university announced.
Scianna will oversee the Office for Mission and Ministry, which coordinates initiatives tied to the university’s Augustinian Catholic mission, including programs related to Catholic Social Teaching, spiritual life and faith-based engagement for students, faculty and staff.
He succeeds the Rev. Kevin DePrinzio, OSA, PhD, who was elected in September to the General Council of the Order of St. Augustine.
“The Office of Mission and Ministry is fundamental in ensuring our Augustinian Catholic values are reflected in all that we do at Villanova,” University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, said in a statement. He cited Scianna’s institutional, pastoral and educational experience as positioning the office to continue its work.
Scianna has served for the past five years as senior associate dean of students for student support at Villanova, where he worked with students on personal and academic matters and served on the university’s CARE and Mental Health and Well Being committees.
He also has mentored students in the Faith and Learning Program, served as a spiritual adviser for the Augustinian Leadership in Business Program and taught in the Department of Education and Counseling.
Scianna returned to Villanova in 2019 as the inaugural director of fraternity and sorority life, overseeing anti-hazing initiatives and related programming.
He brings more than 35 years of administrative, pastoral and educational ministry experience, including leadership roles within the Augustinian Order, schools and parishes, according to the announcement.
Scianna earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Villanova University, a master of divinity from Catholic Theological Union and a master’s degree in education from St. Xavier University in Chicago, and a doctorate in educational studies from the University of Oklahoma.
The Rev. Arthur Purcaro, OSA, PhD, who has served as interim vice president for mission and ministry since September 2025, will continue in that role until Scianna assumes his duties June 1, the university said.
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