VILLANOVA, PA — Villanova University has opened a second campus in Radnor, adding housing for approximately 900 students, nearly 30 classrooms and expanded research facilities as the institution incorporates the former Cabrini University property into its academic and residential operations.
The 112-acre Cabrini Campus became part of Villanova in June 2024 under an agreement with Cabrini University and the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Its opening follows two years of planning, renovations and infrastructure improvements.
The expansion increases Villanova’s capacity across undergraduate and graduate education, student housing, research, athletics and campus services.
Several programs within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences will operate on the campus, including the departments of ethics, psychological and brain sciences, and education and counseling. The property will also accommodate selected communication department facilities and graduate programs within the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.
Academic infrastructure includes nursing simulation facilities, research laboratories, a vivarium for psychological and brain sciences research, specialized education and counseling classrooms, collaborative learning areas and student study space.
“These new academic facilities strengthen our teaching and research enterprise, create opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and provide the space necessary to advance key academic priorities for years to come,” Provost Patrick G. Maggitti stated.
The campus also houses the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration, an academic institute honoring St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants.
Six residence halls and one apartment-style building will house approximately 900 students, primarily sophomores. A separate residence will be dedicated to student veterans enrolled at Villanova.
A renovated student center includes gathering areas, a student lounge, made-to-order dining, a coffee shop, a convenience store and a university retail shop.
The 100,000-square-foot Dixon Center and Nerney Pavilion provide an indoor pool, basketball courts, a suspended indoor track, a group fitness studio and a fitness center.
Additional facilities include outdoor courts, grass and artificial-turf playing fields and a nature trail. Villanova’s field hockey program will establish its permanent home on the campus, with a new field occupying the former Edith Robb Dixon Field site.
Dedicated routes within Villanova’s Wildcat Shuttle system connect the Cabrini and Villanova campuses.
Weekly Masses and other religious services will be held at Sacred Heart Chapel, incorporating the property into Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic programming.
The university has named the student center Cascia Hall, after St. Rita of Cascia, while study areas will be housed in Tagaste Hall, named for St. Augustine’s birthplace.
Two residence halls, Francesca and Xavier, honor St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. Other buildings recognize Augustinian friars and nuns.
“As Villanova begins this new chapter, we do so with deep respect for Cabrini’s history, mission and the people who shaped it,” University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue stated.
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