Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, was elected president of Franciscan University of Steubenville on May 21, 2019. The well-known Catholic speaker and author graduated from Franciscan University with his BA in theology in 1989, then earned an MDiv, MA in theology, doctorate in education, and executive juris doctorate. A solemnly professed member of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis of Penance, Father Pivonka was ordained to the priesthood in 1996. He held various leadership positions at Franciscan University from 1996-2008 including vice president for Mission and Planning. From 2008-2012, Father Pivonka served as director of Post-Novitiate Formation for the Franciscans, TOR, and from 2012-2019, he directed Franciscan Pathways, hosting The Wild Goose video series on the Holy Spirit, a documentary on St. Francis of Assisi, and Metanoia, a 2019 video series on conversion. He has written seven books, including Living Metanoia: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in Christ (OSV, 2021), hosts Franciscan University Presents on EWTN, and cohosts the popular podcast, They That Hope.
