Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University to Inaugurate Fifth President

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University will inaugurate David M. Bellar, Ph.D., as its fifth president during Inauguration Week, March 23-28, 2026.

The weeklong celebration will honor the University’s Franciscan heritage and future vision through prayer services, community events and formal ceremonies. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the University are invited to participate in this historic milestone.

The Board of Trustees announced Bellar’s appointment following a national search that drew approximately 40 candidates. Eight semifinalists were selected, followed by three finalists. Bellar assumed the presidency July 14, 2025.

Bellar joins FranU from the University of West Florida, where he served as dean of the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health. During his tenure, he secured a $6.68 million grant to enhance health education facilities, obtained scholarship funding and hospital space for immersive learning experiences, helped improve NCLEX pass rates to 98 percent in the School of Nursing, established the institution’s first Staff Council, supported partnerships with two major hospital systems for clinical placement expansion and developed a virtual cadaver laboratory to strengthen anatomy and physiology instruction.

Under Bellar’s leadership, FranU’s Board of Trustees anticipates continued academic and program growth, increased enrollment, strengthened student achievement and advancement of the University’s Master Plan.

I am deeply honored to lead Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in advancing our mission to educate and develop servant leaders,” Bellar said. “I look forward to collaborating with the Board of Trustees, campus leadership, faculty and staff to shape the future of this exceptional institution and build on its legacy of academic excellence and Franciscan values.”

Bellar earned a doctorate in exercise physiology from Kent State University, a master’s degree in secondary education from John Carroll University and a bachelor’s degree in biology and life science chemistry from John Carroll University. He and his wife, Trisha, have eight children and are active members of the FranU community.

Inauguration Week events include:

Monday, March 23

President’s Partnership Breakfast, 9 to 10:30 a.m., East Baton Rouge Parish Library Main Library at Goodwood. Invitation only.

Franciscan Prayer Service, 12:30 p.m., Chapel of St. Francis at La Verna in St. Francis Hall. Public. RSVP requested.

Tuesday, March 24

Student Campus Event, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Hall of Distinction, 4 to 6 p.m. Public. RSVP required.

Wednesday, March 25

Leadership Reception, 5 to 6:30 p.m., St. Francis Hall. Invitation only.

Thursday, March 26

Inaugural Mass, 10 a.m., St. Joseph Cathedral. Public. RSVP requested.

Inauguration Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Cathedral Parish Hall. Faculty, staff and special guests. RSVP required. Inauguration Ceremony, 1:30 p.m., St. Joseph Cathedral. Public. RSVP requested.

Inaugural Reception, 6:30 p.m., Louisiana’s Old State Capitol. Faculty, staff and special guests. RSVP required.

Saturday, March 28

Day of Service

 

For more information about Inauguration Week events, visit franu.edu/inauguration.