William J. Bisset, Ph.D., Officially Inaugurated as Lourdes University’s 12th President
Lourdes University is delighted to officially introduce Dr. William J. Bisset as the 12th President of Lourdes University following his Inauguration this past Sunday, October 29. Dr. Bisset has been leading the University since June 6.
The Inauguration schedule went as follows:
- Liturgy: 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel
- Installation: 1:00 p.m. at the Franciscan Center
- Reception in the Franciscan Center Commons
Following a comprehensive national search led by trustees and members of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni, the Lourdes Board and the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania unanimously approved the appointment on March 9. “Dr. Bisset has held senior-level positions at four nationally recognized colleges and universities,” says Lourdes Board Chair William Carroll. “He was the Board’s unanimous choice to lead Lourdes University into our exciting future.”
Following the ceremony, Dr. Terry Keller, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost, and former Interim President, offered a comment that reflects on the Lourdes mindset moving into this new era. “The Lourdes community is energized by this wonderful inauguration ceremony and Dr. Bisset’s vision. We remain excited about the future of Lourdes University and building that future with our new president.”
In his remarks, President Bisset also included a call to celebrate and hope in unity: “Let us come together today as a community to celebrate the past while looking forward with great optimism to the future. Together, we will continue to transform lives, one student at a time, regardless of the challenges that come our way. Once again, in the words of St. Francis, we will do what is necessary, then what is possible, and then what is impossible.” He adds, “I thank you all once again for the trust you have extended to me in leading this extraordinary University. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless Lourdes University.”
Dr. Bisset was preceded by Terry M. Keller, Ph.D., who led the university on an interim basis beginning in October 2022.
Watch a recording of the ceremony.