Rev. Brian Konkol, Ph.D., was inaugurated as Valparaiso University’s 20th president during a ceremony at the Chapel of the Resurrection. The event, held in his first full academic year after beginning his tenure on January 1, 2026, drew more than 1,500 students, faculty, and staff, along with community members, elected officials, faith leaders, and academic representatives. The chapel was filled to capacity, with two overflow locations also occupied, as attendees gathered to honor a new chapter for Valparaiso University and celebrate a promising future for the institution.
The gathering included representatives from around the country, reflecting broad engagement with the university's transition. The ceremony emphasized Valparaiso University's role as an institution that aims to change the world for the better and build lives for good.
During the event, Rev. Konkol addressed the assembly, questioning what the world needs from the university. He stated his belief that "the world needs more Valpo graduates." He also expressed his hope and prayer that, centuries from now, people would view the current era as a special time when the university courageously embraced its calling. Rev. Konkol urged attendees to answer the call of the future.
Several other speakers also took to the stage during the ceremony. These included alumnus Lem Cartman ’21 ’24 MHA, who serves as Manager of Community Relations at Henry Ford Health; Caroline Ban, MSW, who is the program director and associate director of social work at the University’s College of Arts and Sciences; J. Michael Haynie, Ph.D., Chancellor and President of Syracuse University; and Matthew Wells, Ph.D., president and CEO of One Region.
These representatives from Valparaiso University and beyond shared their excitement for the new chapter and offered their visions for how the university can work together with the wider world. Matthew Wells articulated this sentiment by remarking on the question before the community, suggesting it was "not simply what President Rev. Brian Konkol will do for Valparaiso University, but what we will dare to do with him."
Rev. Konkol commenced his role as president on January 1, 2026. His leadership during this period has been marked by significant forward momentum for the university. Notably, Valparaiso University has experienced its first year-over-year enrollment increase for undergraduate students in 10 years under his tenure. Additionally, the university recently received recognition from U.S. News and World Report, ranking as the #6 overall top-rated institution and #2 in best value among Midwest colleges and universities. These developments underscore the institution's ongoing progress and its affirmed standing within higher education.
