President José D. Padilla has informed the Valparaiso University Board of Directors that he has decided to retire when his current contract expires on December 31, 2025.
President Padilla has been an instrumental leader for the University over the past five years, helping to guide Valparaiso University through numerous challenges and remain steadfast in its commitment to prepare students for leadership and service in both church and society.
“The Board of Directors is grateful for José's service and commitment to Valparaiso University. His contributions to Valpo are numerous and will be enduring. He has earned his retirement. Because of this generous lead time, we are ready to launch an inclusive search for his successor. I know José will continue to work hard over the next year to ensure the University is on the most solid financial and operational footing possible and achieve a smooth transition,” said Board Chairman Robert Hansen.
“It has been an honor to lead Valparaiso University, and build on its long, excellent legacy – and I am fully committed to continuing this work to provide our students with the best possible experience throughout the end of my term,” said President José Padilla. “After a long and rewarding career in higher education, it was my vision to enter my retirement at the conclusion of this chapter at Valpo.”
The Board of Directors will convene an official Presidential Search Committee to identify the 20th President of Valparaiso University. The search committee will include representation from the board, faculty and additional constituencies across the Valpo community. The Board will engage a third-party search firm to support the process. The search is anticipated to kick off in April 2025 and regular updates will be provided.
During his five-year term, President Padilla guided Valpo through unprecedented challenges, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. President Padilla worked to ensure the safety and health of our students, faculty and staff, while keeping the University open for learning.
President Padilla also played an instrumental role in the creation of the University’s five-year strategic plan Uplift Valpo: Our Beacon for the Journey Forward after launching a complete academic analysis and administrative review. This included the difficult but necessary discontinuance of 28 programs after a thorough assessment process. As a result of this process, Valpo is now in a stronger position to use data-informed decision making to bolster the University’s financial position.
Over the next year, President Padilla will continue to advance the University's strategic priorities. He will work closely with the board, leadership team and campus community to drive progress on key initiatives, including next steps in the review and realignment of resources and implementation of its strategic plan. This includes overseeing the teach outs for discontinued programs, which is expected to be completed in the 2026-27 academic year.
In addition to the retirement of President Padilla, long-serving Board of Directors’ member and current Board Chair Robert (Bob) D. Hansen, Jr. has announced he will be retiring from his board position after 18 years of service to the University, including five years as board chair. Hansen will officially conclude his role in December 2025.
A 1982 Valpo graduate, Bob went on to have a long and successful career with Dow Corning, retiring as chairman and CEO. Bob joined the Valparaiso University Board of Directors in 2007 and has been a vital presence, guiding the University forward.
The University Board of Directors has elected Jon Steinbrecher, P.E.D., to serve as Chair-Elect, effective immediately, and he will play a pivotal role in leading the search for the next president of the University. Steinbrecher, along with Vice Chair Julie Winkler, will serve on the Presidential Search Committee. Steinbrecher will begin his term as Board Chair in January 2026.
Steinbrecher is a longtime member of the Valpo community, graduating in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and journalism. He received the Alumni Achievement Award in 2006. While at Valpo, Dr. Steinbrecher played tennis and football, and in 2014 he was named to the Valparaiso Athletics Hall of Fame. Following his time at Valpo, Dr. Steinbrecher earned his masters in administration from Ohio University and a Doctorate of Physical Education in sports administration from Indiana University.
Since graduation, Dr. Steinbrecher has climbed the ranks among Division I athletic conference administrators, serving as commissioner of the Mid-Continent Conference for nine years (1994-2003) and the Ohio Valley Conference for six years (2003-2009). He is now in his sixteenth year as commissioner of the Mid-American Conference.
More information on the presidential search process is forthcoming.