Rev. Brian Konkol, Ph.D., was formally inaugurated as Valparaiso University’s 20th president during a ceremony held at the Chapel of the Resurrection. The event, which took place during his first full academic year after he began his tenure on January 1, 2026, drew an audience of more than 1,500 people. This significant gathering included students, faculty, and staff from the University, alongside community members, elected officials, faith leaders, and academic representatives from across the country. The chapel was filled to capacity, necessitating the opening of two overflow locations to accommodate all attendees. The inauguration marked a new chapter for the University, recognizing a promising future focused on changing the world for the better and building lives for good.
President Konkol addressed the large assembly, articulating a vision for the University's distinctive role and impact. He stated that the world needs individuals whose lives are purposefully structured for positive influence, emphasizing that the world specifically "needs more Valpo graduates." He expressed a deep hope that future generations, even centuries from now, would reflect on the current era as "a special time" where the University collectively embraced its calling with courage. He urged all those present to heed the call of the future.
The ceremony also featured remarks from several other speakers, each offering a unique perspective on Valparaiso University’s evolving journey. These included alumnus Lem Cartman ’21 ’24 MHA, who serves as the Manager of Community Relations at Henry Ford Health. Caroline Ban, MSW, program director and associate director of social work at the University’s College of Arts and Sciences, also spoke. Dr. J. Michael Haynie, Chancellor and President of Syracuse University, shared insights, as did Matthew Wells, Ph.D., president and CEO of One Region. These speakers, representing both the immediate University community and broader sectors, collectively conveyed their enthusiasm for the institution's new phase. They also articulated their ideas for how Valparaiso University can effectively collaborate with and contribute to the wider world. Wells, in particular, posed a significant question to the audience, stating, "what we will dare to do with him" is the critical matter.
Under President Konkol's leadership during his first full academic year, Valparaiso University has already demonstrated significant forward momentum. A key indicator of this progress is the recorded year-over-year increase in undergraduate student enrollment, a milestone that marks the first such rise in a decade. This reversal of a long-standing trend signals renewed institutional appeal and vitality. Further underscoring its academic standing and value, Valparaiso University recently earned significant recognition from U.S. News and World Report. The publication ranked the University as the #6 overall top-rated institution among Midwest colleges and universities. Concurrently, it was designated as the #2 institution in terms of best value within the same regional category. These early achievements highlight a period of positive change and reinforced standing for the University under its new presidency.
