Sister Nancy Linenkugel, OSF, DM, LFACHE, was selected to serve as the 13th and final President of Lourdes University, guiding the institution through its closing chapter following the University’s announced closure on February 11, 2026. A lifelong Franciscan leader with deep ties to Lourdes and the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Sr. Nancy brings nearly five decades of experience in higher education, healthcare administration, governance, and mission-driven leadership to this historic role.

A graduate of Lourdes Junior College, Sr. Nancy’s relationship with Lourdes spans more than half a century and includes prior service on the Lourdes University Board of Trustees across multiple decades. Her appointment as President reflects both her intimate understanding of the University’s mission and her steady, values-based leadership during times of transition.

Sr. Nancy holds a Doctor of Management from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, a master’s degree in Hospital and Health Services Administration from Xavier University, and a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies and Education from Mary Manse College. She is a Life Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Her distinguished career includes serving as President and CEO of Providence Health System and Providence Hospital in Sandusky, Ohio; President of Chatfield College Cincinnati, Ohio; and Chair of the Department of Health Services Administration and Director of the Master of Health Services Administration program at Xavier University in Cincinnati, where she also served as Interim Dean of the College of Social Sciences, Health, and Education. Most recently, she served as Congregational Minister of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania from 2021 to 2025.

In addition to her executive leadership roles, Sr. Nancy has served on numerous civic, healthcare, nonprofit, and educational boards at the local, state, and national levels, including the Board of Governors of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Ohio Hospital Association, and as the recording secretary for the board of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.

Her many honors include induction into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame, the ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year Award, an honorary Doctor of Humanities from Xavier University, and the 2024 Upstander Award from the Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center. She is also the author of Lessons from Mergers: Voices of Experience.

As President through closure, Sr. Nancy’s leadership is rooted in compassion, transparency, and stewardship. She is committed to honoring the legacy of Lourdes University, supporting students, faculty, staff, and alumni through this transition, and ensuring that the University’s Franciscan mission and impact endure beyond its final academic chapter.

Office: St. Clare Hall 255
419-824-8880
kbeutel@lourdes.edu

Education: Ph.D., M.A., The Ohio State University, B.A., The University of Dayton

Dr. Beutel has taught at Lourdes University for nearly two decades. She currently holds positions as Provost, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Accreditation Liaison Officer, and Professor of English. During the 2022-2023 academic year, she completed a term as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and has previously served as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Katherine P. Beutel, Ph.D., is a dedicated academic leader and scholar with a rich background in higher education. She oversees a wide range of responsibilities including accreditation processes, academic program development, and budget management. With a Ph.D. in English from The Ohio State University, her scholarship focuses on contemporary American literature. Dr. Beutel’s extensive administrative experience includes roles as Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Chair of the English Department, where she spearheaded strategic initiatives and curriculum enhancements.

In addition to her administrative achievements, Dr. Beutel is a seasoned educator, teaching a variety of courses in English literature, writing, and interdisciplinary studies at Lourdes University. Her commitment to scholarly inquiry is evident through numerous presentations at conferences such as the Midwest Modern Language Association and publications exploring themes in American and multi-ethnic literature. Beyond academia, she actively engages in community service and holds leadership roles in local organizations, reflecting her dedication to both education and community enrichment.

Education: PhD, Antioch University; M.Ed., Bowling Green State University; B.S., Bowling Green State University

419-824-3759
abenson@lourdes.edu

Dr. Ashley C. Benson serves as Vice President for Student Affairs at Lourdes University. With an unwavering dedication to student success and fostering inclusive excellence, Dr. Benson oversees a diverse range of critical Student Affairs departments. Her strategic direction encompasses pivotal areas such as retention initiatives, crisis management protocols, and comprehensive student engagement strategies.

Before Lourdes University, Dr. Benson carved a distinguished path of impactful leadership across various institutions. As Dean of Student Engagement at Luther College, she spearheaded groundbreaking collaborations, notably establishing a transformative partnership with WinnMed to enhance student medical support services. At the College of Wooster, her tenure as Associate Dean of Students was marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of support and empowerment. Dr. Benson’s earlier career highlights include pioneering the TRIO Student Support Services program at North Central State College and providing invaluable guidance as a Program Advisor at Bowling Green State University.

Dr. Benson’s influence transcends campus boundaries, as evidenced by her leadership roles within professional associations such as the Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) and Ohio TRIO, where she served as president. She has further honed her leadership acumen through prestigious programs such as the HERS Leadership Institute and NASPA’s Ujima Institute.

Committed to the ethos of servant leadership, Dr. Benson’s impact extends beyond her professional endeavors. She established the Gray Benson Scholarship through the Toledo Public Schools Foundation, a testament to her dedication to empowering first-generation college students in their pursuit of higher education.
Academically, Dr. Benson holds a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Social Studies and a Master’s in Education Administration and Supervision, both earned at Bowling Green State University. She furthered her scholarly pursuits by obtaining a doctorate in Leadership and Change from Antioch University.

Fueled by a profound passion for equity and diversity, Dr. Benson’s research and advocacy efforts are centered on creating inclusive environments within higher education. Her tireless commitment to facilitating access and success for underrepresented students, particularly first-generation college students, epitomizes her professional journey. Dr. Benson’s steadfast dedication to fostering inclusive, accessible, and thriving educational communities serves as an enduring source of inspiration and transformation.

Office: St. Clare Hall 140
419-824-3861
bvano@lourdes.edu

Education: M.A., Wayne State University; M.A., St. Bonaventure University

Sister Barbara Vano is dedicated to the University mission. As Vice President for Mission and Ministry, she oversees the Campus Ministry and Service Learning departments.

Mission and Ministry strengthens awareness of our Catholic and Franciscan traditions and ensures they are integrated throughout the University Community. Sister Barb previously served as the Director of Campus Ministry and is pleased to continue her role as Director of Service Learning.

A Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs staff member, she has led several pilgrimages in Assisi and Rome, Italy. Sister Barb also serves on the Advisory Council of St. Leonard, a senior residential community in Centerville, Ohio, and is active with the Manahan in Toledo. A Sister of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, she volunteers as a member of the Chapel ministry team and serves as a member of the Sisters’ Charism Committee and Vocation Awareness Team.

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Sister Barb’s previous ministry experiences have included teaching math at the high school and college level, serving as director of Helping Hands of St. Louis (a Toledo area soup kitchen), and digging around in computer data with the department of Information Systems at Lourdes.

Enjoying every opportunity to share the spirit of Francis and Clare, her favorite topics include Franciscan spirituality, leadership from a Franciscan perspective, and the history of the Third Order Regular.

Sister Barb holds an M.A. degree in Mathematics from Wayne State University and an M.A. degree in Franciscan Studies from the Franciscan Institute of St. Bonaventure University.

Office: Admissions Welcome Center
419-824-3747 (Office)
jweisgerber@lourdes.edu

Education: PhD, Capella University; MA, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; BA Muskingum University

Sr. Nancy Linenkugel, OSF, Chair
Motherhouse Liturgy and LCWR Recording Secretary, Sisters of St. Francis

Jonnie Hodges, Vice Chair
Attorney

Terri Ellerbrock, Treasurer
Retired CFO

Erich Drescher, Secretary
Attorney, Drescher & Associates

William J. Bisset, Ph.D.
President, Lourdes University

John Coble
Attorney

Kimberly Howard
Owner, Green Path Wellness and Red Doors of Toledo

Kate Kelley

Greg Kneser

Sr. Laureen M. Painter, OSF
Mission Integration/Spiritual Care, Commons of Providence

Sr. Rebecca A. Rutkowski, OSF
Treasurer/Councilor, Sisters of St. Francis