Dr. John Kruse has taken the helm of the Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies, becoming the new director in mid-August and continuing the mission of weaving the vision of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi into higher education at Neumann University.
The Institute, founded in 1998 by Sister Rose Cecilia Case to advance Catholic and Franciscan intellectual tradition, has long served as a hub for interconnected faith and education. Located in Bachmann 312, it remains a space where academic life and Franciscan values meet.
Kruse, who has taught theology at Neumann since 2006 and has led the Footsteps of Saints Francis and Clare Pilgrimage, was selected by former director Sister Pat Hutchinson to succeed her. Sr. Pat expressed both relief and pride in passing the leadership to Kruse, noting she once feared the Institute might “die out” without the right successor.
“He is a Franciscan theologian philosopher […] he is in contact with not only U.S. Franciscan scholars, he is in touch with people all over the world,” Sr. Pat highlighted.
From speaking at Franciscan schools to guiding students and faculty through pilgrimages in
Rome and Assisi, Kruse has been recognized internationally for his scholarship and leadership.
The role fit in his job, Dr. Kruse noted, always “sharing in the Franciscan tradition,” often “bringing back what [he’s] learned on pilgrimages and what [he’s] learned about Assisi and the stories of St. Francis and Clare [bringing it back] to Neumann.”
Sister Pat emphasized that Kruse was “everything that is to keep the institute moving and take it to a new level.”
The Institute’s mission is also carried forward through its spaces, including the Assisi Room on the third floor of Bachmann, which serves as a forum for reflection and conversation.
Sister Mary Ann McCarthy, secretary of the Institute for 16 years, said one of the ongoing challenges has been ensuring that new faculty and staff share in the same Franciscan background as longtime community members.
“[We’re] trying to build the knowledge for those that have been here, [but not] to leave behind the new people that haven’t had a chance,” Sr. Mary Ann explained.
Through Dr. Kruse’s leadership as well as the ongoing efforts from fellow faculty like Sr. Mary Ann, the Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies continues to uphold its core RISES values and ensure that faculty, staff, and students continue to carry forward the Franciscan tradition here at Neumann University.
