Briar Cliff University Formally Inaugurates Dr. Matthew Draud as its 13th President

March 13, 2025

Briar Cliff University is excited to announce the formal inauguration of Dr. Matthew Draud as the University’s 13th President. The ceremony, held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the St. Francis Center, brought together former presidents, the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and local community members to celebrate a new chapter in the University’s legacy.

Draud was named the 13th president of Briar Cliff on June 11, 2024, and has provided presidential responsibilities since July 1, 2024. He brings over 20 years of administrative experience in higher education and has overseen significant growth and innovation, established new academic programs and played a key role in student support services.

With a strong commitment to institutional growth and student success, he shared his vision for Briar Cliff’s future in his inaugural address. Highlighting Catholic and Franciscan values, institutional responsibility, and innovation for the future. Draud expressed his gratitude and commitment to the BCU community.

“As we look ahead to our centennial in 2030, I commit to building a Briar Cliff University that is stronger, more innovative, and more impactful than ever before,” Draud said. “I commit to education as a force for good in the world. The work ahead will not always be easy, but neither was it for our founding Sisters. Like them, we will move forward with courage, with creativity, and with an unwavering commitment to our mission. As St. Francis calls us, we must start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly we will be doing the impossible.”

The ceremony featured remarks from Board Chair Steve Stouffer and Dr. Sandra Harper, pledges of support from university staff, choir performances and a final blessing from Bishop Nickless. A mass preceded the ceremonies, and a celebratory reception followed his formal inauguration, fostering a sense of unity, shared purpose and excitement towards the future amongst the Briar Cliff community.

Draud’s presidency marks the beginning of an exciting era for Briar Cliff University. Under his leadership, the University is poised to continue its tradition of excellence guided by Franciscan values while evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.