Education: PhD, Seton Hall University; M.Ed., University of Massachusetts-Lowell; B.A., Saint Anselm College

419-824-3809
tholup@lourdes.edu

William J. Bisset, PhD, assumed the role as the 12th president of Lourdes University on June 6, 2023.

Dr. William J. Bisset has 35 years of experience in Catholic higher education administration, including key leadership roles at Marymount and Manhattan College.

Under his leadership, Manhattan College and Marymount University experienced record growth in their undergraduate and graduate applicant pools while remaining faithful to their mission-centric commitments of serving diverse students and families of modest financial means.

His innovative initiatives helped make Manhattan one of the most ethnically diverse Catholic colleges in the United States and Marymount the only federally designated Hispanic-serving institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“My tenures at Marymount and Manhattan have afforded me opportunities to gain the experience needed to address challenges that Lourdes and other mission-based, tuition-dependent institutions will face in the coming years,” says Dr. Bisset, whose roles have also included positions at Assumption and Saint Anselm Colleges.

“My diverse professional experiences and personal qualities closely match those needed to lead Lourdes University during these challenging times in American higher education. I appreciate the value of working closely with a University’s deans and faculty to successfully grow graduate and continuing education programs and have done so both at Manhattan College and Marymount University. As Lourdes University’s next president, I will bring a unique depth of administrative experience in higher education, a collaborative, energetic leadership style, and an unwavering commitment to integrity and excellence.”

In addition to a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University, Dr. Bisset received a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration, Policy, and Planning from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Saint Anselm College.

In 2016, Bisset was awarded the prestigious Lasallian Medal by the Board of Trustees at LaSalle Academy in New York City. The Lasallian Medal represents the school’s highest honor and recognizes Bisset for his dedication and commitment to Catholic education in New York City and for providing opportunities to countless first-generation college students during his many years of work in Catholic higher education.

Dr. Bisset holds Board positions with the Sylvania Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio, the Regional Growth Partnership of Northwest Ohio/Jobs Ohio, and the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference. He is also an active member of the Genesis Chapter of Legatus as well as the Rotary Club of Toledo.

Dr. Bisset is married to Kathleen Bisset. The couple has two adult sons, Brendan, an alumnus of Manhattan College (2018) and Belmont University (2021), who is currently an Associate Director of Athletics at Dartmouth College, and Charlie, an alumnus of the University of Miami (2021) and the Elliot School of International Affairs at The George Washington University (2023).

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 Interim 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.

419-824-3730
bbarshel@lourdes.edu

Education: BBA, Specialization in Accounting, The University of Toledo; CPA, Accountancy Board of Ohio

Bryan F. Barshel, CPA, has served as Lourdes University’s Vice President for Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer since September 2022. His responsibilities include managing ongoing financial operations; developing strategies for the University’s overall health and vision; and overseeing finance, information technology, human resources, and facilities and grounds.

Prior to Lourdes, Mr. Barshel spent two decades at the administrative level in corporate positions throughout the northwest Ohio region. He served as Vice President of Accounting, Human Resource & Environmental Health and Safety with Kamco Industries in West Unity where his responsibilities included overseeing the operation of current and future plants in Ohio, Alabama, Canada and Mexico. In this position, his financial acumen and skills resulted in the company achieving nearly a half million in cost savings.

In addition to his accounting, finance and HR expertise, Mr. Barshel excels at strategic business plan facilitation, and ensuring operation results meet and achieve strategic initiatives.

The respected professional earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Specialization in Accounting from The University of Toledo and Certified Public Accountant status with the Accountancy Board of Ohio. Mr. Barshel holds board memberships with Financial Executives International and Williams County Economic Development Corporation.

Valuing the importance of service to the community, Mr. Barshel previously served on the St. Rose School Finance Council, as Coach of the Perrysburg Youth Soccer Association’s Junior Jackets Basketball Team, and as a Scout Master for Boy Scouts of America.

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: St. Clare Hall 259
419-824-3969 (Office)
419-302-9828 (Cell)
swills@lourdes.edu

Education: MBA, Ashland University; B.A., Ohio Northern University

Scott Wills comes to Lourdes from Culver-Stockton College, where he serves as vice president of advancement. His advancement leadership experience also includes serving as vice president of advancement at Alma College. At both institutions, Wills led the functional areas of major and planned gifts, alumni relations, advancement services, prospect research, and stewardship.

In addition to his service at Culver-Stockton and Alma colleges, Wills served in various capacities of increasing leadership over two decades at Ohio Northern University including Assistant Vice President, Senior Director of Development, and Director of Annual Giving. In addition to his advancement work, Wills served as Women’s Tennis Coach.

Prior to his move to higher education, Wills had a successful 15 year career in the private sector at American Electric Power (AEP) holding various positions in marketing, public relations, and new product development. He has also been a leadership organizational volunteer for various non-profit organizations including United Way, Junior Achievement, United States Tennis Association, and Phi Mu Delta Fraternity.

Wills brings extensive campaign experience to Lourdes having led several successful comprehensive and targeted campaigns and increasing participation and support from alumni, corporations, foundations, and the overall constituency. The campaigns realized significant increases in support for capital projects, endowment, program enrichment, student scholarships, annual support, experiential learning, health sciences, the arts, and athletics.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ohio Northern University and an MBA from Ashland University.

Pariss M. Coleman II, Chair
Chief Litigation Counsel, The Andersons, Inc.

Thomas P. Dillon, Vice Chair
Toledo Managing Partner and Firmwide Management Committee Chair, Shumaker, Loop and Kendrick, LLP

Chrys Peterson, ‘11, Secretary
Owner, Chrys Peterson Consulting, LLC

Thomas J. Winston, Treasurer
President and CEO, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority

Kaye Aldridge
Community Advocate

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

George A. Brymer, ‘10, ‘08
President and Chief Creative Officer, The Creative Block

William J. Carroll
Retired Chief Operating Officer, Dana Corporation

Susan L. Conda
Community Advocate

David Enstone
Northwest Ohio Third Frontier Commissioner

James R. Gant, Esq.
Deputy Superintendent, Toledo Public Schools

Carrie A. Haddix, ‘09
Chief Administrative Officer, Metroparks Toledo

Jay R. Jindal
Physician, ProMedica Physicians ENT

Maureen M. Kenney
General Partner, Retired, CareLink Nursing Services

Michael S. Koralewski
Chief Manufacturing Operations Officer, First Solar, Inc.

Sr. Rachel M. Nijakowski, OSF
Executive Director, Sophia Center

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

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

Alan Sattler
Community Advocate

Sean E. Savage
Financial Advisor, Savage & Associates, Inc.

Richard S. Sweeney
Regional President, Toledo Edison, a FirstEnergy Corp electric operating company

Patrick Trompeter
Chairman, Erie Home

Martha E. Vetter
Retired Chairman Emeritus/Founder, R/P Marketing Public Relations

Dolly Flasck, R.N.
Community Advocate

Kevin J. Kenney, B.A., J.D.
Attorney-at-Law, Kevin J. Kenney & Associates

Joseph T. Nachtrab, B.A., C.P.A.
President, Northaven Development Group

Thomas B. Geiger Jr., B.A.
President, Capital Tire Group, Inc.

Martha Mewhort, A.B., M.A.
Retired History Professor, Lourdes University

Larry D. Ulrich, B.B.A.
President, LDU Enterprises, LLC