VILLANOVA, PA — Villanova University has appointed the Rev. David Cregan, OSA, PhD, as the new dean of its College of Professional Studies (CPS), effective August 1. Father Cregan, a Villanova alumnus and long-serving faculty member, will bring deep academic leadership experience and a commitment to the university’s Augustinian Catholic mission to his new role.
Father Cregan currently serves as associate dean of Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives for CPS, where he oversees curriculum development, faculty affairs, and strategic academic initiatives. Among his notable contributions is leading the design and implementation of the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree and guiding faculty hiring and evaluation processes. He also serves on Villanova’s university-wide A.I. Task Force.
Villanova President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue described Father Cregan as an “experienced and knowledgeable leader” deeply committed to the transformative power of education.
Reflecting on his new role, Father Cregan said, “Since arriving in the College of Professional Studies, I have been inspired, invigorated and continually uplifted by our dedicated students, staff and faculty. Here, student-centered learning is an imperative, and our faculty and staff are creatively flexible, adaptive and innovative in guiding our students toward their academic, professional and personal goals.”
A member of Villanova’s faculty since 2004, Father Cregan previously chaired the Department of Theatre and Studio Art and served as artistic director of Villanova Theatre. His teaching spans multiple programs, including Global and Interdisciplinary Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, and the Augustine and Culture Seminar Program. He also teaches for Villanova’s program at SCI Phoenix, a state correctional institution.
His scholarly work focuses on Irish theatre and performance, with numerous articles and book chapters published on these subjects. Before returning to Villanova, Father Cregan enjoyed a professional acting career that included work in New York and touring productions in the U.S. and Europe.
University Provost Patrick G. Maggitti praised Father Cregan’s understanding of the unique needs of adult learners and his deep knowledge of CPS, calling him “uniquely suited” to lead the college into its next chapter.
As dean, Father Cregan will serve as chief administrator for CPS, overseeing strategic and academic planning, faculty engagement, student experience, financial operations, and alumni relations.
Father Cregan holds a BA in Theatre from Villanova, a Master of Divinity from Washington Theological Union, an MA in Irish Studies from The Catholic University of America, and an MPhil and PhD in Dramatic Literature from Trinity College, Dublin.
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