Francesco C. Cesareo, president of Assumption College since 2007, is to continue leading the institution as it transitions to university status in June.
The board of trustees granted him his third, five-year contract extension at their meeting in February. The unanimous vote was announced this week in a press release, which said Assumption leadership has been focused on responding to the coronavirus pandemic this semester.
“The trustees are impressed by the vision created and realized by Francesco, such as the expansion of in-demand academic programs, the addition of new academic facilities and his commitment to, and embracing, Assumption’s Catholic identity and the importance of the liberal arts,” said board chairman Francis J. Bedard, '81. “We are also grateful to Francesco for leading a proactive and effective response to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. The trustees and I look forward to our continued collaboration with Francesco as he leads the transition of Assumption College to Assumption University.”
“Assumption is a special community dedicated to instilling in students both knowledge and a sense of purpose,” said President Cesareo. “I am thankful to the board of trustees for their continued confidence in our ambitious vision for the institution and to the faculty and staff who work tirelessly to educate and serve our students. It is an honor to lead this … Catholic institution of higher learning that integrates the liberal arts with professional education.”
In September 2019, Assumption’s academic programs were enhanced and reorganized under a new school structure. This proposal, spearheaded by President Cesareo, created five schools: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Grenon School of Business, the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, the School of Health Professions and the School of Nursing. This structure was implemented in anticipation of the commonwealth’s approval of Assumption’s application to become a university.
Under President Cesareo, Assumption has introduced new majors in actuarial science, addiction counseling, applied behavioral analysis, criminology, cybersecurity, data analytics, education, health sciences, neuroscience, nursing, physician assistant studies (graduate program), sport management, and an MBA in healthcare management.
Since July 1, 2007, when President Cesareo took the helm at Assumption, more than $68 million was raised through annual giving, a project-based campaign and the current capital campaign. This has provided funds for student scholarships, faculty chairs and research, and the construction of the Tinsley Campus Ministry Center, Tsotsis Family Academic Center and the new Health Sciences Building.
President Cesareo signed an agreement with the Worcester Red Sox to become one of the team’s 21 Founding Partners, a designation that will provide experiential learning opportunities to students and provide Assumption a highly visible presence in downtown when the team relocates to Worcester next year.
In 2013, realizing President Cesareo’s vision to provide a unique study abroad experience, Assumption opened a campus in Rome. The program is also a critical component of SOPHIA (SOPHomore Initiative at Assumption), which encourages students to find a deeper connection between their spiritual and religious commitments and their personal and professional lives.
President Cesareo has also encouraged faculty to forge academic partnerships that give students opportunities - some with guaranteed scholarships - to achieve undergraduate and advanced degrees more conveniently, quickly and at a lower cost.
Since 2007, the number of African American, Latino American, Asian American and Native American students (ALANA) has increased from 7 to 18 percent.
President Cesareo established a Presidential Task Force on Racial and Ethnic Diversity with a belief that “the intellectual enterprise is enhanced by the dialogue of varied and diverse viewpoints, providing the promise of new energy and new ways of thinking.”
In July 2019, President Cesareo established the Division for Student Success to enhance academic success, retention, persistence to graduation and employability. Among the initiatives housed in the Division is the Cross-Cultural Center, the new Director of ALANA and First Generation Student Success as well as the Center for Purpose and Vocation.
Through his service on various boards, President Cesareo has enhanced the reputation and awareness of Assumption. Among them are the National Review Board of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, which he chairs until June, the New England Commission of Higher Education, St. John’s Seminary, the Worcester Diocese’s Adopt-a-Student Steering Committee, and Greater Worcester Community Foundation. He is chairman of the board of NE-10 Athletic Conference President’s Council; Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts and Sr. Thea Bowman Black Catholic Educational Foundation Board.
President Cesareo graduated from Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception and earned a master’s degree and doctorate from Fordham University. A Fulbright Scholar who studied at the University of Rome and the Pontifical Gregorian University, he has written two books and a number of scholarly articles on Catholic Reformation, 15th and 16th century Roman history and the Renaissance Papacy.