Dr. Bellar Marks One Year as FranU President

It has been one year since Dr. David Bellar began serving as president of FranU. During his first year, the University reached several milestones that enhanced the student experience, expanded opportunities and reinforced its mission.

Under Dr. Bellar's leadership, FranU received national recognition through the 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification and secured several major grants. Among the most significant was a U.S. Department of Education Title III Strengthening Institutions Grant, which will support a comprehensive Student Success Initiative. The University also received a NetVUE Grant to expand vocational discernment resources for students. The University's Simulated Environment Teaching Hospital (SETH) earned continued accreditation through 2030, reflecting FranU's ongoing commitment to excellence in healthcare education.

Campus growth continued throughout Dr. Bellar's first year. The University celebrated the completion of renovations to the Health Professions Building, which included the addition of a Research and Innovation Lab. The lab has already supported innovative 3D printing projects that improve mobility for children, extending FranU’s impact into the broader community. The University also established the Portiuncula as a dedicated student gathering space and continued efforts to consolidate its footprint by relocating programs from the Graduate Building on Essen to the main campus.

Strengthening relationships with FMOL Health and FMOL Lake Health remained another important focus during Dr. Bellar’s first year, creating new opportunities for collaboration. The University celebrated the forgiveness of the St. Francis Hall loan by FMOL Health, representing a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between the organizations.

FranU has a remarkable legacy, and this past year has been about building upon that foundation while preparing for the future,” said Bellar. “Together, we've celebrated meaningful accomplishments that enhance the student experience and advance our mission. I'm grateful to everyone who has contributed to this progress, and I look forward to continuing this work as we look ahead to the next chapter of FranU.”